See the stars all day in Raleigh Museum of Natural Sciences celebrates Astronomy Day, Jan. 18

January 9, 2003
For Immediate Release
For calendar and entertainment editors
Contact: Marjorie Terry (919) 733-7450, ext. 305

View the stars, planets, constellations and galaxies all day as you focus on the wonders of the universe. Join the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for the 12th annual Astronomy Day, Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. In collaboration with the Raleigh Astronomy Club, this day of astronomical fun features activities for novice astronomers and expert stargazers alike.

Special guest Dr. H. John Wood will present “The Hubble Space Telescope and the Accelerating Universe” at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the Museum’s WRAL Digital Theater. At NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Wood led the team to correct Hubble’s optics. Using images, observations and data transmitted by the Hubble Space Telescope, he will report on the new discovery that the expansion of the universe is accelerating rather than slowing down. Throughout the day, visitors also can witness the “The Cosmic Laser Light Show,” a 10-minute, sensory experience of music and moving lasers.

See solar storms hurl plasma and radiation towards planet Earth in the nationally acclaimed Blackout! This 20-minute video from the Goddard Space Flight Center will show several times in the Windows on the World Demonstration Theater.

If you think the weather’s bad here on Earth, then listen to Dr. Jerry Watson speak on the howling winds and extreme temperatures found in “Weather on Other Planets” at 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Windows on the World Demonstration Theater. Or come to the Museum’s second floor where you can experience the “Powers of Nature,” a traveling exhibit devoted to the science behind natural forces—wind, rain, lightning, earthquakes, volcanoes. Kids can participate in the “Powers of Nature” scavenger hunt and win a prize for answering weather’s greatest secrets. All tickets to “Powers of Nature” will be discounted to $3 on Astronomy Day.

Hands-on family activities include “UFO Pilots,” where kids of all ages can pilot a helium-filled, remote-controlled UFO vehicle through a galactic obstacle course. New this year, meet live animals and see Museum specimens representing “Animals of the Constellations.” On Bicentennial Plaza, blast off bicarbonate-powered rockets or try out a solar telescope with members of the Raleigh Astronomy Club. Learn more about amateur astronomy and telescopes, identify meteorites from meteor “wrongs” on the third floor and learn how stars are formed at “Stellar Evolution.” You can also pin the tail on the comet, discover the astronomical reason for the seasons, or find out your weight on other planets.

This all-day event is free and open to all ages. A program guide listing the day’s events and activity times will be available at the door. Food and beverages will be sold on site. For more information on Astronomy Day, please call 919/733-7450 or visit the Museum’s Web site at www.naturalsciences.org.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in downtown Raleigh, documents and interprets the natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications, and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit the Museum on the web at www.naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.

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