SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – This Saturday is National Astronomy Day and Springfield Museums is celebrating with hands on science experiments and observatory tours.
Northern Lights: What each color means On Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Springfield Museums will have ongoing activities throughout the day that teach guests about observing the stars, how space orbit works and how we are able to have humans in space.
“Our Astronomy Day celebration is important to me because it’s one of the elements that piqued my own interest in learning more about the night sky!” Director of Science Jenny Powers continues, “From hands-on learning and connecting with STARS club members to the stunning visuals in Seymour Planetarium, any Museum visitor can enjoy the day and learn more about the ways we share astronomy with our community! I hope that the simple, positive interactions with volunteers and staff will inspire visitors to want to learn and more and join the fun!”
The following events and activities will be held at the museums for free with a museum admission:
- Dave Kelly, Master Telescope Maker, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Check out telescopes and safely view the sun and moon. Held in the Quadrangle (Rain location: Science Workshop, Second Floor, Springfield Science Museum)
- Observatory Tours, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 3 – 4 p.m. – Tour the observatory and watch the dome’s opening. Meet in Astronomy Hall, Second Floor, Springfield Science Museum
- Features of the Moon, 1 p.m. – Learn how the moon has obtained its craters, peaks, valleys and even lava seas. Limited seating, please arrive a few minutes early to receive your materials and be seated. Tolman Hall, First Floor, Springfield Science Museum
- Journey to Mars: Special Edition Live Planetarium Show, 2 p.m. – Take a virtual journey on Mars through a full-dome simulation. ( Tickets Required ; additional fee) Held in the Seymour Planetarium, Second Floor, Springfield Science Museum
- Meet the STARS Club , 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – The Springfield STARS Club turns 90 this year. Meet members of the club who share their stories and special collections. Held in Astronomy Hall, Second Floor, Springfield Science Museum
- Orbiting Object, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Learn how planets and moons stay in orbit in our solar system. Held in Habitat Hall, First Floor, Springfield Science Museum
- Make a 3D Leo the Lion , 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Create Leo the Lion, a zodiac constellation that can be seen in the night sky during Spring and Summer. Held in Habitat Hall, First Floor, Springfield Science Museum
- Touchable Astronomy , 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Get hands on with meteorites, and hands on models of eclipses, constellations, a nebula and galaxies. Held in Habitat Hall, First Floor, Springfield Science Museum
- A Breath of Fresh Air , 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Learn how the International Space Station maintains clean air for their astronauts and how they are able to live there. Held in Habitat Hall, First Floor, Springfield Science Museum
- Spacesuit Cart , 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Learn about the materials used in a spacesuit that protects life outside of our atmosphere. Held in International Space Station Exhibit, Second Floor, Springfield Science Museum
National Astronomy Day began in 1973 to teach the public about outer space. It started as placing telescopes in urban, highly populated areas to let anyone passing by to take a look at the galaxy. Now celebrated across the globe, Astronomy Day reminds people how we are all connected to the cosmos.
Local News
22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts in March 1953. Watch the 22News digital edition on weekdays at 4 p.m.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Most Popular
Comments / 0