| January: 16th – Star Party & IYA Kick Off!
Jan. 16, 2009 5pm-8pm
2009 celebrates the 400th anniversary of the invention of the telescope. In hopes of raising awareness about astronomy, we have set the goal of getting 150,000 people to look through a telescope in 2009. This is approximately the population of Springfield, Missouri. We will offer a star party once a month where anyone can come down and look through a telescope, then register as a participant in the project. This is a community building event, so feel free to bring down your telescope and “WOW” your neighbors with everything you know, or come down and look through a neighbor’s telescope and be “WOWED!” The Springfield Astronomical Society has partnered with DCS to offer their expertise and knowledge, and to make sure everyone has a chance to see all the amazing objects in our universe! Star Party on Patio Free, admission applies for entering the museum.
February: 13th – Star Party & Galileo Birthday
Feb. 13, 2009 5pm-8pm
2009 celebrates the 400th anniversary of the invention of the telescope. In hopes of raising awareness about astronomy, we have set the goal of getting 150,000 people to look through a telescope in 2009. This is approximately the population of Springfield, Missouri. We will offer a star party once a month where anyone can come down and look through a telescope, then register as a participant in the project. This is a community building event, so feel free to bring down your telescope and “WOW” your neighbors with everything you know, or come down and look through a neighbor’s telescope and be “WOWED!” The Springfield Astronomical Society has partnered with DCS to offer their expertise and knowledge, and to make sure everyone has a chance to see all the amazing objects in our universe! Star Party on Patio Free, admission applies for entering the museum.
Also join us for the Great Observatories Image Unveiling at 6pm! Discovery Center is excited to announce that we have been chosen as one of the sites for NASA’s Great Observatories Image Unveiling. DCS will receive a free permanent exhibit highlighting the Pinwheel Galaxy as seen by three different telescopes. To celebrate this new addition, there will be an unveiling party at 6:00 pm on Friday, February 13th. Come enjoy refreshments and activities, as well as experience amazing discoveries across the universe.
March: 23rd through 28th –Astronomy Week and Star Party
March 23-28, 2009
Spring Break 2009 is going to be out of this WORLD!
Astronomy Week is six days filled with special activities, classes,
contests, and more. And no two days are exactly the same – each
day will have a different theme with new classes, demonstrations, and
activities! We will have local astronomy experts available to answer
questions and we hope to have a Skylab on site for the week. If you love astronomy, then plan on spring break at the Discovery Center – and be sure to ask you teacher about getting extra credit with our Extra Credit Passports! Registration form is available for advance registration. Walk-in registration will also be accepted if space is available. If you love astronomy, then plan on spring break at the Discovery Center - and be sure to ask you teacher about getting extra credit with our Extra Credit Passports!
Monday – Our Solar System
Tuesday – Mars Mania
Wednesday – Exploring the Universe
Thursday – One Small Step for Man
Friday – Our Solar System
Saturday – Amazing Astronomy
April: 18th – Earth Day and Star Party
May: 8th – Star Party
June:
19th – Star Party
19th through 20th – Summer Solstice Solarbration
June 19-20, 2009
If you are ready to have some “Fun in the Sun” then head to Discovery Center for our Summer Solstice Solar-bration! This will be a Friday & Saturday event to kick off the summer and celebrating everything about our parent star. There will be solar viewing, interactive demonstrations, and tons of cool activities focused on the hottest thing in our solar system. This will be a great opportunity to explore astronomy and world heritage, such as solar mythology of different cultures, and discover all the ways the sun impacts our daily life and history. The All Tribal Indian Center is partnering with DCS to bring you authentic performances of Native American cultures pertaining to the sun.
July: 11th – Einstein On Ice and Star Party
July 11, 2009
This year’s Einstein on Ice will be cooler than ever! Our annual fundraiser will have an astronomy twist and all proceeds from the day will go to fund new permanent astronomy exhibits. Come check out the coldest places in the universe, see some amazing demonstrations, and have some Andy’s Frozen Custard - all while helping us create an experience that is out of this world!
August: 22nd –Star Party & Moonlight Bike Ride
August 22, 2009
Our annual night time adventure will be packed with astronomical extras. For veterans of the ride, there will be more astronomy than ever before – and if you are a new rider, this is the year to check it all out. Springfield Astronomical Society will be on-hand as usual to unlock the secrets of the sky! Grab you helmet and ride on down to take part in this one-of-a-kind experience. *Register for our Moonlight Bike Ride.
September:
25th – Star Party
25th/26th/27th – Sky School
September 25-27 2009
Calling all teachers and students interested in exploring astronomy. Sky School is a weekend full of activities that focus on astronomy education. Ideal for homeschool families and offering extra-curricular information for astronomy students of all ages, this weekend will be packed with classes and demonstrations that we will teach you to try at home. Activities will highlight topics like “Building a TRUE model of the Solar System”, “How to Build a Rocket”, and classes specifically aligned to the Missouri Grade Level Expectations. This weekend will also include professional development opportunities for teachers throughout the region – keep checking the website for more details!
October: 23rd – Star Party
November: 27th – Star Party
December: 11th – Star Party & Astronomy Gallery Grand Opening |
