Planetarium birthday party includes moon pies, telescopes
March 23rd, 2009
Planetarium’s 47th birthday party
April 4
Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium, Belknap Campus
$5 per person
The Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium at the University of Louisville is celebrating its 47th birthday and — in lieu of birthday cake — will give everyone who attends its April 4 birthday celebration a moon pie (while supplies last) and a chance to win a beginner’s astronomy kit.
“We’ve been here for nearly five decades spreading the joy of astronomy and science to the Louisville community,” said planetarium director Rachel Connolly. “We wanted to mark this year’s birthday with something fun and, hopefully, inspire those who have never been to our facility to pay us a visit.”
The April event is also part of the International Year of Astronomy’s 100 Hours of Observing, Connolly said. That program encourages people to look through a telescope just like Galileo did 400 years ago.
Weather permitting, planetarium staff members will offer solar viewing during the celebration. The special $5 per person cost includes admission to Skies Over Louisville (shows at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.) as well as admission to the telescope workshop and other activities.
Other upcoming planetarium events include:
- “Creating Black Holes on Earth,” March 30. A discussion about experiments at CERN, the European Organization for National Research, related to black holes and how smashing atoms can teach us more about the universe. For adults. 7:30 p.m. Free.
- Cosmic Explorer Workshop, “I Want to be an Astronaut,” April 19. This hands-on workshop explains what it feels like in space. Registration required by calling 502-852-6664 by April 17. For children ages 4-6. 2-3:30 p.m. Members, $20, non members $25. This workshop will be repeated on May 17.
- “When a Star is Born,” April 27. Astrophysicist Mordecai-Mark Mac Low will speak to planetarium visitors via videoconference about how stars and galaxies are formed. For adults. 7:30 p.m. Free.
