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Astronomy Day at Adventure Science Center

Presented by Adventure Science Center at Adventure Science Center

April 9, 2011

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This year marks the 50th anniversary of a human in orbit and the 30th anniversary of the first shuttle launch. Join us for a day dedicated to mankind’s journey to the stars. We’ll have special presentations and hands-on activities for the whole family to enjoy. 

On Saturday, April 9, 2011, from 11:00am to 4:00pm, Adventure Science Center will celebrate Astronomy Day, but maybe we should call it Astronaut Day because the theme this year is all about human spaceflight. Discover the challenges and requirements of living and working in space. While you're here, enter to win door prizes, including one Celestron 50th Anniversary FirstScope provided by Celestron Telescopes and Astronomy Magazine.

The Sudekum Planetarium will be presenting Dawn of the Space Age in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the first Space Shuttle launch, and the 50th anniversary of the first human to fly in space, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. For astronaut wannabes and those who just want to look up at the sky, Skies Over Nashville is a live tour of what is visible in the current night sky -- constellations, planets, and more! Audience participation and questions are strongly encouraged in this engaging program suitable for visitors of all ages.

Astronomy Day activities are made possible by the volunteers of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society, Austin-Peay State University Physics Club, and Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Space Society.

Demonstrations
Suited for Success: Explore the design essentials of spacesuits. See what every astronaut needs to work outside his/her spacecraft in the harsh environment of space.
Living in Space: Discover how living in space differs from living on Earth. Interactive stations will allow visitors to learn how astronauts work, eat, sleep, wash up, and the number one most often asked question: how they go to the bathroom!
Cabin Fever: Going into space sounds like fun, until you realize that there is not much space inside your spacecraft. The interior of the Mercury capsule has been described as "coffin-sized." Find out just how cozy home would really be inside mockups of typical spacecraft.
Spacecraft on Parade: Study and compare models of past, present, and future spacecraft to see how traveling to and from space has changed over the years. The Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Space Society provides these spacecraft displays.
Go or No Go? Astronaut Polling Station: Lots of people want to go into space. Lots of people don't. If there were an empty seat on the Space Shuttle right now, and you were asked to join the crew, would you go into space?
Door Prizes: Enter to win door prizes including one Celestron 50th Anniversary FirstScope provided by Celestron Telescopes and Astronomy Magazine.

Astronomy Day continues into the night!
FREE Public Star Party:
From 8:00pm to 10:00pm, members of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society will set up telescopes outside the Adventure Science Center to provide views of the Moon, Saturn, the Orion Nebula, and much more. This star party is entirely free, but is weather dependent. If it's cloudy, the star party will be cancelled. Check our home page for updates if the weather is iffy.

Second Saturday in the Sudekum Planetarium:
The Science Center may close at 5:00pm, but the doors open at 6:00pm for evening programs in the Sudekum Planetarium including Dawn of the Space Age, Skies Over Nashville, and Cosmic Concerts laser shows featuring the music of the 1980s, U2, and Pink Floyd.