UNT Astronomy hosts planetarium, observatory open house

Thursday, April 4, 2013 - 14:41
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DENTON (UNT), Texas -- UNT Astronomy is hosting an open house event beginning at 5 p.m. on April 6 (Saturday), that will include a premiere of the UNT Sky Theater Planetarium’s new summer show “Dawn of the Space Age,” a visit to the UNT Rafes Urban Astronomy Center for safe sun, comet and night sky viewing, as well as a telescope giveaway.

“Dawn of the Space Age” recaps historic space milestones including the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, to the lunar landings and privately operated space flights. The program is geared toward audiences from fifth grade and up.

Attendees will then travel to the UNT Rafes Urban Astronomy Center for safe sun viewing through specially-equipped solar telescopes, and night sky viewing. Attendees will also have a chance at seeing the Comet Panstarrs. Those with smart phones will be able to take photos through the center’s telescopes.

“If this wasn’t enough, we also will have a drawing for a brand new Dobsonian telescope to be given away at 10 p.m.,” said Preston Starr, manager of UNT’s Rafes Urban Astronomy Center. “The telescope will be on display, and chances to win can be purchased for $5 each.”

Admission is cash or check only, and is $7 for children and UNT students, $8 for seniors and UNT staff, and $9 for adults. To attend only the planetarium presentation, admission is $3 for children and UNT students, $4 for seniors and UNT staff, and $5 for adults. To attend only the Rafes center event, admission is $5 per person.

More information can be found at http://astronomy.unt.edu.

 

Photos of the Dumbbell Nebula and sunspots can be found in UNT’s Image Gallery.

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