LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Organizers of a May 13 event to celebrate National Astronomy Day are hoping local earthlings will want to get to know their celestial neighbors.
The family-focused program is sponsored by the University of Louisville’s Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium and the Louisville Astronomical Society and will include stargazing, shows, games and a drawing for a new telescope.
The celebration runs 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the planetarium and includes rocket launches, comet-making, marshmallow shuttles, solar viewing and a workshop aimed at helping novice stargazers make an informed decision when buying a telescope. There will be two showings of “Skies Over Louisville,” one at 7 p.m. and another at 8 p.m. The cost is $5 per person; ages 2 and under are free.
A second part of the program will be 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Louisville Astronomical Society’s Urban Astronomy Center, E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, 2600 Freys Hill Road. Society members will help visitors navigate the night sky and will conduct a workshop for telescope owners. The event at the park is free but donations to the society are encouraged.
The opportunity to participate in the drawing for a free telescope is offered at both event locations.
For more information, visit louisville.edu/planetarium/events/2011-national-astronomy-day.html or contact Paula McGuffey at 502-852-5855.