University of South Carolina Aiken’s Ruth Patrick Science Education Center and DuPont Planetarium is inviting families to attend a free Family Earth and Sky Night on Saturday, May 18.
Located at 427 Scholar Loop, the center will celebrate Earth Day and International Astronomy Day with telescope exploration, a night sky viewing, themed activities and planetarium shows.
In addition to astronomy and Earth Day activities being offered from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the center will also display live animals, such as snakes, turtles, alligators and owls, prior to telescope exploration and night sky viewing at 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
On the center’s lawn, members of the Astronomy Club of Augusta will host naked-eye, binocular and telescope observing of the moon, planets and stars. Attendees are invited to bring a blanket, towel or reclining chair to kick back and observe the night sky as Earth turns away from the sun.
“Take advantage of this opportunity to see sky objects, to gain an understanding about our night sky, and to learn about the models available for amateur astronomers,” stated a press release from USCA. “The Bechtel Telescope in the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center Observatory will also be available for viewing the wonders of the sky.”
Various planetarium shows will be offered every hour starting at 6:30 p.m., including: Magic Tree House: Space Mission at 6:30 p.m., Backyard Wilderness at 7:30 p.m., Seven Wonders at 8:30 p.m. and Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 9:30 p.m.
Inspired by the Magic Tree House book series, Magic Tree House: Space Mission follows the story of brother-sister duo Jack and Annie as they discover a note which asks them to answer questions about space. Thanks to the help of an astronomer, the internet, an astronaut and books written by a mysterious author, the siblings embark on a thrilling adventure of learning.
Backyard Wilderness follow a young girl as she and her family gradually experience the magic of nature in one’s own backyard. See how different seasons affect a backyard’s diverse and incredible wilderness, as the film showcases an array of unique wildlife images and behavior – all captured by cameras mounted inside dens and nests.
Narrated by Sean Bean of “The Lord of the Rings” films, travel back in time and witness spectacular marvels of the ancient world with the Seven Wonders show. Explore the Great Pyramid, see the enormity of the towering Colossus and experience the rest of the world’s Seven Wonders. Investigate the social forces and technologies that led to the creation of these wonders, while glimpsing into other sensational spectacles of the universe.
In recognition of the 51-year-old, iconic album, Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon creates a full-dome experience with stunning visuals of the solar system while playing 10 Pink Floyd tracks in chronological order. Featured in planetariums around the world, this show is sure to impress any Pink Floyd fan seeking a 2D experience that delights the senses.
Tickets for the planetarium shows start at $4.50 for K-12 students, $5.50 for senior citizens and $6.50 for adults. By showing an ID, military members can receive 50% off ticket prices.
For more information about the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center or the DuPont Planetarium, visit: https://www.usca.edu/rpsec
