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Community explores space science at NIC event

Participants at the NIC NASA Space Hack and Laser Interferometer Space Antenna Project Talk work on a group project on Oct. 15 at NIC’s Coeur d’Alene campus.

North Idaho College hosted a NASA Space Hack and Laser Interferometer Space Antenna Project Talk on Oct. 15 at NIC’s Coeur d’Alene campus, bringing together college students, high school students, educators and community members to explore space science and engineering.

Participants examined data related to the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna mission, which aims to study gravitational waves, and built demonstration prototypes using lasers and mirrors. The event also included discussions about black holes, gravitational waves and the technology used to study them.

“Students weren't simply learning about science and engineering,” NIC Director of Innovation Marita Diffenbaugh said. “They were actively exploring, building, questioning, and discovering alongside educators and professionals.”

Employees from North Idaho College and the University of Idaho brought students together from multiple disciplines to explore the science and technology behind the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna Project and experience how scientists, engineers, technologists, and innovators work together.

For more information about NIC X-Labs, visit nic.edu/x-labs.