DENTON (UNT), Texas -- Join scientists, astronomers and other fans of the universe for a "Big Bang" event celebrating the opening of the M.R. and E. Hudson Foundation Planetwalk at 8 p.m. on April 5 (Saturday) at the University of North Texas Rafes Urban Astronomy Center observatory.

The observatory is located at 2350 Tom Cole Road in Denton.

"The Hudson Planetwalk provides a uniquely informative introduction to our Rafes Urban Astronomy Center," says Ron DiIulio, director of UNT's astronomy program.

The foundation is a longtime supporter of UNT's Astronomy Outreach program, having donated $50,000 to the program in total. The foundation previously funded the design and construction of the Hudson Outdoor Amphitheater, located in the center of the observatory, where thousands of UNT students and area families have been introduced to the wonders of the universe.

The new Hudson Planetwalk will feature eight display stations supporting semi-scale planet models and video monitors presenting information about each planet. The walkway gives guests of the observatory a unique educational experience as they walk from the observatory's parking area to the Hudson Amphitheater and telescopes for viewing planets and stars.

The astronomy program's Sky Theater Planetarium also will host a world premiere of "Water Worlds," a program produced entirely by UNT Astronomy staff members and students at 6:30 p.m. on April 5 (Saturday) at the Environmental Education, Science and Technology building at 1704 W. Mulberry St. After the Sky Theater program, guests are invited to caravan to the Rafes Urban Astronomy Center for the "Big Bang" ribbon-cutting event at 8 p.m.

For more information about UNT Astronomy, visit http://astronomy.unt.edu.