"Be an Astronomer!" at MPSC Family Science Night, Feb. 28

Please join Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for Family Science Night this Saturday, Feb. 28, from 5 to 9 p.m. In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, the theme is "Be an Astronomer!" Free activities are planned for all ages, toddlers to adults.

Our special guest will be Galileo Galilei, the father of modern astronomy (impersonated by planetarium educator Michael Neece). Galileo will regale us with stories of his life and work. Afterwards, help celebrate his birthday. Galileo turns 445 years old this month, and he is looking good. ("I work out a lot," he said.)

You can also make a Moon crater, measure your Moon weight, create a constellation, make a star finder to use outdoors, and build your own galaxy with the help of UNC scientists who try to understand how galaxies are formed. Also tour the Morehead Observatory and interact with a remote telescope.

IF skies are clear, which is looking unlikely, we will use telescopes to observe craters on the Moon, discover what phase Venus is in, and see spectacular Saturn and its rings.

In the star theater, where it is never cloudy, you can take a live guided tour of the night sky. Listen to stories about the sky and learn how to count the stars you see in Orion to collect scientific data for a worldwide campaign to measure light pollution.

Most Family Science activities are free; regular ticket prices apply for star theater shows. This event happens rain or shine!