Astronomy Days at the Museum of Natural Sciences: Meteorites/Meteor-wrongs and NASA's Revolutionary Space Concepts
January 19, 2006
Build and launch your own rocket
and safely view the sun through a solar telescope during the North
Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Astronomy Days 2006 -- held
Saturday, January 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, January
29, from noon to 5 p.m. This free, two-day event offers dozens
of exhibits, along with entertaining and educational hands-on activities
and live presentations guaranteed to delight everyone from star-struck
kids to novice astronomers to expert stargazers.
Special guest speakers this year include North Carolina native Melvin Ferebee
of NASA's Langley Research Center, who will discuss "Revolutionary Space Concepts:
The Future of Space Exploration," and Don Cline of the Pisgah Astronomical Research
Institute, who will present "To the Stars and Beyond." You can also view one
of the most impressive collections of meteorites anywhere, showcasing remnants
of our early Solar System and many fascinating specimens from the Moon, Mars
and beyond -- including a piece of the first documented meteorite in history,
which landed in 1492.
Additionally, Museum educators and members of the Raleigh Astronomy Club will
make special presentations covering weather on other planets, animals of the
constellations, and the secrets of celestial navigation. Visitors can also explore
an astrophotography exhibit and see the latest images from the Hubble Space Telescope
(on display in only two locations statewide), check their weight on other planets,
learn about galactic radio astronomy, or test their skills in the video game
starcade. Several telescopes will be on display as well, with experts available
to offer tips on subjects ranging from getting started in astronomy to mirror
grinding. The Tripoli Rocket Association will be on hand once again to show off
their amazing high-powered model rockets -- some over 20 feet tall!
Astronomy Days is a free, entertaining and educational event for all ages. A
program guide listing events and activity times will be available at the door.
Food and beverages will be sold on site. For more information, please call 919-733-7450
or visit the Museum's Web site at http://www.naturalsciences.org.
Astronomy Days is co-sponsored by the non-profit Raleigh Astronomy Club. For
more information about club activities, visit their Web site at http://rtpnet.org/rac,
or call 919-460-7900.
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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