Tellus Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Moon Landing

CARTERSVILLE, Ga., July 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon with a weekend of special events Saturday, July 18 through Monday, July 20.

The weekend’s highlight is a special book signing and talk by NASA artist Paul Calle, the only artist allowed on site when the Apollo 11 astronauts prepared for their historic voyage. Calle’s work has been featured in exhibits across the country and much of it is now housed in the National Air and Space Museum. Tellus owns one original Calle painting and several high-quality reproductions. Calle will be signing copies of his new book “Celebrating Apollo 11″ on Sunday, July 19 at 1 p.m. before sharing his memories of the Apollo 11 launch during a 2 p.m. lecture. The lecture is free for members or included with paid museum admission for the public.

“We’re delighted to have an artist of Paul Calle’s caliber here,” said Tellus executive director Jose Santamaria. “His unique perspective – being the only artist allowed with the Apollo 11 astronauts on the day of the launch, gives him an experience that we can’t wait to hear about and share with our visitors.”

The day before the lecture, Saturday, July 18, Tellus will open the museum’s observatory for a tour of the night sky beginning from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. This public viewing is free with paid museum admission.

“Unfortunately the Moon will not be visible that evening, but weather permitting, we will be able to see the planet Saturn, star clusters and the Ring Nebula,” said Tellus Astronomer David Dundee. “We might also catch some double stars, too. It’s sure to be a great night for stargazing.”

Throughout the weekend Tellus will offer numerous events, including continuous showings of a new show in the digital planetarium. “Dawn of the Space Age” chronicles the beginning of space exploration, the launch of the first artificial satellite and the incredible lunar landings. Tellus will also offer demonstrations of the Apollo voyage using models, children’s activities and screenings of archived NASA footage.

The celebration and activities will continue through Monday, July 20, the actual anniversary of the Moon landing.

“We are pleased to commemorate this historic event at Tellus. It is a proud moment in this country’s numerous scientific advancements and, 40 years later, it is still an amazing story,” Santamaria said.

Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum features the only digital planetariums in Northwest Georgia, plus four galleries: Weinman Mineral Gallery; Fossil Gallery; Science in Motion, a journey through the development of motorized transportation; and Collins Family My Big Backyard, a hands-on activity gallery for children.

For more information call 770-606-5700 or visit www.tellusmuseum.org.

SOURCE Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum