View the stars or get up-close to an owl as part of Family Earth and Sky Night.
“This is one of our biggest events of the year,” said John Hutchens, director of special programs at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at the University of South Carolina Aiken. “It focuses on Earth Day and National Astronomy Day.”
The event begins at 6 p.m. May 15 at the science center.
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Members of the Astronomy Club of Augusta will be on-site with their telescopes. Because of safety concerns, the view from the telescopes will be projected rather than allowing people to see through them.
People can ask questions about astronomy and telescopes.
One of the hands-on activities will be making a star wheel.
As part of the program, people can take in one of the shows at the Dupont Planetarium at the science center. The planetarium has a 45-seat auditorium with a 30-foot tilted aluminum dome and a Digistar 6 projection system, according to its website.
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Magic Tree House: Space Mission will be shown at 6 and 7 p.m.; Seven Wonders will be at 8 p.m. and To The Moon and Beyond will be at 9 p.m.
Because of the limited seating, Hutchens recommends people make plans to get to the shows early. Reservations will not be taken that night.
Other activities showcase some of the live animals at the science center. People can view snakes, alligators and owls.
Children can participate in crafts such as making bird feeders.
Hutchens said the tables where crafts will be located will be spread out to encourage social distancing. Masks will be required inside.
The Family Earth and Sky Night is free with the exception of the planetarium shows, which are $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for senior citizens. $4.50 for students 4K-12th grade and $2.50 for USCA students, faculty and staff. Children under 4 are not allowed in the planetarium.
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Another activity taking place through the science center is called Through The Eyes of A Child. According to Hutchens, it’s a science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) program held in conjunction with Hitchcock Woods Foundation, Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary and the North Augusta Brick Pond Park.
It started in April, and a few more events will be held before it’s over at the end of the month.
For a $5 fee, participants will receive an “eco-friendly backpack including a nature discovery guide, water bottle, pencil and additional guides for three discovery locations. The ‘Through the Eyes of a Child’ nature discovery guide will help direct participants adventures, photos and activities while helping identify organisms and objects that can easily be photographed in a yard, neighborhood, park, etc. The guide will lead students into Hitchcock Woods, Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary and the North Augusta Brick Pond Park to photograph plants and animals, learn about patterns in nature and more,” according to a news release.
To learn more, visit usca.edu/rpsec/throughtheeyes.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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