Philadelphia's Central High School became the first in the USA to open deep inner space exploration to students with the arrival of a new Phenom table top scanning electron microscope
Providing magnification up to 20,000x with 30 nm resolution, the Phenom table top scanning electron microscope is designed to change how science is taught and attract students to scientific careers.
The Phenom is a gift from FEI, a manufacturer of advanced imaging tools, to the minority student training programme for microscopy at Central High.
It will also be used by other science programmes at the school.
Astronaut Alan Bean, the fourth man to walk on the moon and commander of SkyLab II, was the keynote speaker for students at the unveiling.
"Today's students face endless possibilities with new challenges in outer space, a return to the moon and possible trips to mars and beyond.
"Now, the exploration of inner space is equally exciting," commented Bean.
"Nanoscale exploration is on the brink of many important discoveries that will potentially result in new materials, advanced medicine and alternative energy sources, to name a few examples.
"Unique programmes like those here at Central High and innovative tools like the Phenom can capture the imagination of students and inspire them to pursue advanced studies in science and technology, helping ensure that we will have the technical talent that the United States needs to remain competitive in the future."
