Stars, Planets and Astronauts … Oh My!
EAGAN, Minn., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Minnesotans of all ages will have the chance to blaze galactic trails and imagine a future of space exploration when the Minnesota Planetarium and Lockheed Martin team up to host a day-long Space Day 2004 celebration on Saturday, May 1st from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 West Highway 7, in Hopkins.
The event will feature a special presentation by retired NASA astronaut Dr. Story Musgrave, dynamic science demonstrations by the University of Minnesota Physics Force, a look at the red planet with the Mars 3-D Geo-Wall from the Science Museum of Minnesota, up-close and personal “high def” films on the Sun, Venus, Mars, Jupiter & Saturn, an exploration of Antarctica from a South Pole explorer and much more.
“Space Day 2004 presents a great opportunity to ignite the imagination of 21st century space explorers, scientists and inventors,” said Bob Bonadurer, director, Minnesota Planetarium Society. “Our celebration offers something for everyone — whether you want to hear a first-hand account of space travel, watch the magic of physics or view the majesty of the night skies.”
“We hope to perpetuate the legacy of our space pioneers by encouraging that same sense of curiosity in our children, engaging them in the thrill of discovery,” said Richard J. Ambrose, president of Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors’ business in Eagan. “These young people represent our future and will one day realize exciting possibilities that we can now only imagine. Lockheed Martin is excited to be a part of an event that nurtures the imagination of all of us.”
The Eisenhower Observatory is located at 1001 W. Hwy 7 in Hopkins, Minn. The Space Day 2004 celebration is free and open to the public. For more information about the event, contact Robert Bonadurer at the Minnesota Planetarium Society, 612.630.6151
The Minnesota Planetarium Society (MnPS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to help build and operate a new state-of-the-art Minnesota Planetarium. The MnPS is a diverse group of business executives, astronomers, and educators who understand that a Planetarium provides an essential educational experience.
Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.
SPACE DAY 2004 CELEBRATION
EISENHOWER COMMUNITY CENTER — SATURDAY, MAY 1
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
11 a.m. NASA Astronaut, Dr. Story Musgrave
Story Musgrave is one of NASA’s most experienced
astronauts. With a 30 year career spanning the Apollo
era of the 1960s right through to the Space Shuttle
program of the 1990s, he is the only astronaut to have
flown on all five Space Shuttles. He is also a pilot,
surgeon, mechanic, poet and philosopher. Dr. Musgrave
flew six Space Shuttle flights. During these flights,
he traveled 20 million miles, and logged 1,200 hours of
spaceflight and orbited the Earth 788 times. He
retired from NASA in 1997, and today provides unique
perspective into the future of space exploration.
1 p.m. The Physics Force, University of Minnesota
The Physics Force is a fun and playful presentation by
University of Minnesota professors that makes science
exciting for students of all ages — from 5 to 105.
Their interactive demonstrations emphasize the process
of learning science, illustrate complex concepts, and
prompt further exploration by students. Each segment of
the show begins with an illustrative demonstration,
then escalates the excitement through even more vivid
examples of physics principles. After all, why implode
a pop can when a 55-gallon drum is available?
1 p.m. – 11 p.m. Solar & Night Telescope Observing
Keep your fingers crossed that the weather permits a
spectacular view of the day & night sky. See solar
flares, sunspots, moon craters, a crescent Venus, the
moons of Jupiter and Saturn’s rings!
2:30 p.m. Mars Rocks! Science Museum of Minnesota
Get up close and personal with the red planet and see
Mars in 3-D with the Science Museum of Minnesota. You
can also view the latest pictures from the Mars Rovers
Spirit & Opportunity and examine a real rock from Mars!
4 p.m. The New Minnesota Planetarium & Space Discovery Center
See plans and designs for the new Planetarium atop the
Library, scheduled to open in Dec 2006 if funding is
appropriated.
5 – 9 p.m. High Definition Space Theater
See crystal clear, sharp “high def” films on the Sun,
Venus, Mars, Jupiter & Saturn. Films are shown hourly
during this time, with the exception of 7 p.m.
7 p.m. Science from the South Pole, Karina Leppik
Educator Karina Leppik has traveled through Antarctica
twice. Her about her amazing journeys and how the
South Pole has much in common with outer space.
2 – 9 p.m. Ongoing Exhibits and Presentations throughout the day
Family Activity Room:
Make your own balloon rockets! Learn how “Toys in Space” work. Simulate your own Mars Rover landing with an egg! Activities courtesy of the Minnesota Space Frontier Society.
3-D Astro-Wall Room:
See an amazing array of astronomy images of the planets and far away galaxies in 3-D! Immerse yourself in Mars, the Earth from space and many more. Courtesy of the Science Museum of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota.
Presentation Room:
Get the latest and greatest about upcoming sky events and NASA explorations from the NASA’s Jet Propulsion Solar System Ambassadors. Preview the Transit of Venus coming up on the morning of June 8th — the first one since 1882! See the plan for grand Saturn when the spacecraft Cassini arrives on July 1st — after a seven year trip. Also, discover how rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles work with a special presentation by Lockheed Martin. Scheduled announced day of event.
Observatory Room:
Learn how a telescope works. Find out what’s a good beginning telescope and various costs.
Lockheed Martin
CONTACT: Sheri Grone of Lockheed Martin, +1-651-456-2210,sheri.t.grone@lmco.com
Web site: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/