JUNE 2014 FRIENDS OF THE PLANETARIUM PROGRAMMING: June 13-15, 2014

The theme for June is Rockets!

Friday, June 13, 2014

Exploding Universe. Credit: Clark Planetarium, http://clarkplanetarium.org.

Screening of the digital program Exploding Universe:

Explosive events explain the structure and composition of the universe we live in today. When giant stars detonate as “supernovae” they seed the galaxies with heavy elements that make planets and life possible. Some collisions we are only just now starting to understand. For example, when Black Holes collide, they can throw off some of the most energetic particles known, ripping and warping space as they go. But other outbursts have profound effects as well, such as the beauty and power of supervolcanoes, which have contributed to the transformation of our world into the life-bearing oasis we now enjoy. Exploding Universe is a creation of Clark Planetarium Productions.

Target Audience: General Public, ages 10+.

Running time: 30 minutes.

Doors Open: 7:15 p.m. Show Begins: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday June 14, 2014

Dr. Steve Davis, SpaceX Director of Advanced Projects. Credit: http:­//www.­acceleprise.­vc/­portfolio/­dr-steve-­davis-­spacex/.

Saturday Science Lecture: Dr. Steve Davis, SpaceX:

“History of SpaceX and Current Projects.” — , Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 to revolutionize space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. Come hear rocket scientist and Director of Advanced Projects at SpaceX Dr. Steve Davis talk about the story of this innovative and history-making company. There will be no recording of the event, no live-streaming of the talk, and no media present at the event per SpaceX policy.

Running Time: 60 minutes (will include Q&A)

Doors Open: 7:15 p.m. Talk Begins: 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 15, 2014 - Two Great Shows, Happy Father's Day!

Cubesat. Credit: NASA.

1) The STM Mission Possible CubeSat Project: Mission Update:

From classroom to orbit: Come see Arlington elementary school students who are building and launching a real satellite! St. Thomas More (STM) Cathedral School has been working on a one-of-a-kind program to launch a student-built research spacecraft into orbit. The students have recently learned that NASA approved the launch of their satellite aboard one of their rockets. The STM CubeSat has been placed on an official manifest list for launch in January 2015 from Wallops Island, VA. The payload will then be ferried to the International Space Station and deployed from there in February or March of 2015. Of the 16 satellites that were recently selected by NASA, theirs is the only one from a primary school.

Running time: 30-45 minutes, including time for Q&A

Doors Open: 1:15 p.m. Show Begins: 1:30 p.m.

2) Screening of the digital program Magic Tree House® Space Mission:

Travel with the brother-sister duo, Jack and Annie in their Magic Tree House® as they proceed to answer the questions left for them in a mysterious note signed “—M.” The show begins with narration by Mary Pope Osborne, author of the best-selling Magic Tree House® children’s book series. Viewers will find themselves perched high in the trees as Jack and Annie discover the note that asks them to answer a series of six questions about space. Magic Tree House® Space Mission is best suited for ages 5 to 12 and their families. Older children familiar with the book series may also enjoy the show.

Running Time: 35 minutes

Doors Open: 2:45 p.m. Show Begins: 3 p.m.

The David M. Brown Planetarium is located at 1426 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22207.

Admission for all programs is $3 for Children (up to age 12), $5 for Friends, Members, and Seniors (60+), and $7 for teens and adults.

Ticketing will be managed online here and powered by eventbrite.com. Online ticketing will end 30 minutes prior to each show, and any unreserved seats will be made available on a first come, first served basis 15 minutes prior to the doors opening.

Here is a colorful poster (1.4MB PDF), suitable for bulletin boards, refrigerators, and passing out to strangers.

Click on a show to buy tickets