April 24, 2006

Contact:

Christy Whitney
(615) 401-5059
cwhitney@adventuresci.com

Shana Witherow
Seigenthaler Public Relations
615-327-7999
shana@seig-pr.com

Nashville, TN - Nashvillians will have the opportunity to look to the stars for fun and for answers during Adventure Science Center’s Astronomy Day on Saturday, May 6. Local astronomy experts from area universities, as well as WKRN News 2 meteorologist Davis Nolan, will discuss leaps in astronomy research, the effects of space activity such as solar flares on the Earth’s atmosphere and the use of satellites to better understand the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina.

Those attending Astronomy Day, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will enjoy a virtual tour of space by using an array of telescope and satellite models provided by the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society and Austin Peay State University. Guests also will be able to explore images and models of the solar system, as well as a variety of spacecraft from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The Astronomy Channel, a mobile observatory, will be outside of the Science Center to help people observe and comprehend the universe and the increasing capabilities of technology.

“One of the objectives of the Science Center is to encourage all people to take a closer look at the universe they live in,” said Kris McCall, director of the Sudekum Planetarium at Adventure Science Center. “Because everyone in the nation, including Middle Tennessee, was either directly or indirectly affected by Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of the Gulf Coast last August, we want to help explain this catastrophic event from a scientific perspective that reaches beyond earth itself into outer space. Thanks to our generous partners and sponsors, Astronomy Day is a fun way to educate visitors and give them a broader view of the vastness of the universe.”

This year’s Astronomy Day features an array of activities, speakers and planetarium shows. The full schedule is as follows:

10:00 to 5:00 p.m. - Activities, Displays and Demonstrations
Opportunities to view telescope and satellite model demonstrations, models of solar systems and spacecraft; solar observing; prize drawings; crafting constellations from disposable cups; temporary tattoos; personalize-your-own-constellation activities; inflatable outdoor bouncer; and a magician.

11:00 & 4:00 p.m. Sci-Bites: Why Is The Sky Blue? - BodyQuest Kitchen
Using simple materials see how our atmosphere makes the sky blue, creates rainbows, and causes other interesting effects.

11:30 a.m. Dr. Spencer Buckner: “The Future of Astronomy at APSU”
With the recent addition of a teaching planetarium, the Astronomy program at Austin Peay continues to grow. Dr. Buckner will inform Astronomy Day attendees of the progress Austin Peay has make in terms of research and growth of the school’s Astronomy program and facility. Buckner received his BS in Engineering Physics, his MS in Physics, and his Ph.D. in Applied Physics. He has served at numerous universities and has been with APSU for seven years.

1:00 p.m. Sci-Bites: Changing Faces of the Moon
Why does the Moon appear to change shape throughout the month? Meet in the lobby of the Sudekum Planetarium to explore these changing phases.

1:30 p.m. Davis Nolan: “Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans... What Went Wrong”
News 2 Storm Team Meteorologist Davis Nolan, a New Orleans native, will use satellite maps and other methods to explain what happened to the levee and floodwalls. He’ll also describe his own experience helping face the tragedy.

2:30 p.m. Dr. Chuck Higgins: “Capturing the Sun: Radio Emissions from Our Star”
Dr. Higgins, a planetary radio astronomy researcher with Middle Tennessee State University, will present an overview of solar flares and radio bursts, and their effects on Earth. Guests will see the setup and demonstration of a simple radio telescope to listen to the sun. Dr. Higgins has a BS in Physics both his MS and Ph.D. in Astronomy.

Additionally, the following three shows will play in the Sudekum Planetarium during Astronomy Day:

11:00 & 2:00 p.m. - “Blown Away: The Wild World of Weather”
Discover the awesome fury of a tornado, become immersed in a category four hurricane, and be swept into a thunderstorm. This virtual adventure gives viewers a look at the many forms of Earth’s weather, and takes a journey into space to explore the sun’s effects on weather conditions.

12:00 p.m. “Skies Over Nashville”
Find out what’s visible from the backyard and which constellations and planets are visible in the current night sky. Participants will be able to ask questions and make requests during this live, interactive tour of the heavens.

3:00 p.m. “Hubble: Images of the Infinite”
The most famous telescope and most productive spacecraft ever launched does more than take pictures. Guests can learn what its discoveries reveal about the universe, from familiar planets to the most distant galaxies.

After dark on Astronomy Day, the public is invited to a free star party outdoors at the Science Center from 8 to 10 p.m., an event that takes place at Adventure Science Center and other locations periodically throughout the summer. The Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society will set up telescopes, including video monitors, for patrons to observe Jupiter, Saturn, and more; and provide star gazers information about what they are seeing.

Sponsors for Adventure Science Center’s Astronomy Day are: Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society, JPL Solar System Ambassadors, Middle Tennessee State University, Austin Peay State University Astronomers, Austin Peay State University, Astronomy Magazine, Sky and Telescope Magazine, Space Telescope Science Institute, Meade Instruments, and Davis Nolan of WKRN ABC Channel 2.

About Adventure Science Center
For 60 years, Adventure Science Center has brought science to life for children in Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama and beyond. The center offers hands-on, interactive exhibits and engaging programs that encourage children of all ages to explore how science, invention and innovation affect their lives. Adventure Science Center encourages imagination and curiosity, and engages the senses in the fascinating world of science.

Adventure Science Center is located at 800 Fort Negley Boulevard. Its regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8.75 for adults; and $6.75 for children ages 3 to 12, and seniors 65 and older. For more information, call (615) 862-5160 or visit our web site at www.adventuresci.com.