Reach for the stars at Renaissance Center Astronomy Day celebration

Release Date: 5/6/2003. Expired: 5/10/2003

Astronomy Day at The Renaissance Center brings out the stars with an afternoon of fun family activities.

The 4th annual Astronomy Day celebration on Saturday, May 10, will include tours of Dream Mission, a half-size replica of the space shuttle, characters from the Star Wars movie series, planetarium shows in the CyberSphere Digital Theater, an interactive science theatre program, astronomy lectures and multimedia presentations and much more.

“Only at The Renaissance Center’s Astronomy Day can you view sunspots through powerful telescopes, have your picture made with an intergalactic bounty hunter or other Star Wars characters, learn how ancient civilizations used the stars for navigation, tour a replica of the space shuttle, see a live science theatre show and take an up-close look at the night sky, along with many other activities,” said Allison Kruse, senior director of educational development and coordinator for Astronomy Day. “In addition to our special family activities, you can top the evening off with a live theatre production of Arsenic and Old Lace or take in one of our exciting laser shows in the CyberSphere.”

Founded by an amateur astronomer in California in 1973, Astronomy Day has grown to an international event with at least 15 sponsoring organizations, including the International Planetarium Society, The Astronomical League, The Planetary Society and more.

Astronomy Day is a grass roots movement to share the joy of astronomy with the general population. On Astronomy Day, thousands of people who have never looked through a telescope will have an opportunity to see first hand what has so many amateur and professional astronomers all excited. Astronomy clubs, science museums, observatories, universities, planetariums, laboratories, libraries and nature centers host special events and activities to acquaint their population with local astronomical resources and facilities. Astronomy Day celebrations are held across the United States as well as in Canada, Turkey, Romania, Iran and Puerto Rico.

The Renaissance Center’s schedule for Astronomy Day on May 10 includes (all activities are free unless otherwise noted):
12 p.m.-dusk: Sunspot viewing with Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society telescopes and multimedia display in the parking lot (weather permitting);
12-3 pm: Chester Campbell will sign copies of his mystery/suspense novel, Secret of the Scroll, in the Virtually Unlimited Bookstore;
12-7 p.m.: Photos with the 501st Legion - Southern Outpost, an officially licensed Star Wars costuming club, in the parking lot for $2;
12-6 p.m.: Star Wars movie marathon in room E105;
12-9 p.m.: Astronomy displays in the rotunda and halls include a scale model of the solar system, demonstrations on the difference in the gravity of Earth, the Moon and Mars, models of the International Space Station, a model of America’s Martian Rover and more;
2-2:45 p.m.: The Explorers, a planetarium show explaining how ancient civilizations used the stars to navigate, in the CyberSphere ($5 adults, $3 seniors and children under 13);
3-4 p.m. - Mars!, a planetarium show about the mysterious red planet narrated by Patrick Stewart, in the CyberSphere ($5 adults, $3 seniors and children under 13);
4-5 p.m.: Faraday Science Theatre program, an interactive show about science around the house, in the Faraday Science Theatre on the lower level;
4-7 p.m.: Dream Mission blast off tours in the parking lot;
4-4:50 p.m.: Americans in Space, a presentation by Chuck Schlemm of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society, in the CyberSphere;
5-5:45 p.m.: Our Solar System, a presentation by the president of the Middle Tennessee Space Society, in the CyberSphere;
6-6:45 p.m.: Tonight’s Starry Sky, a presentation on what is visible in this month’s night sky, in the CyberSphere;
6-6:45 p.m.: The Williamson County Community Band plays in the rotunda;
7-7:45 p.m.: The Explorers, a planetarium show explaining how ancient civilizations used the stars to navigate, in the CyberSphere ($5 adults, $3 seniors and children under 13), and;
8-10 p.m.: Star viewing with Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society telescopes and multimedia display in the parking lot (weather permitting).

In addition to the Astronomy Day activities, The Renaissance Center’s schedule for May 10 also includes:
9 a.m.-9 p.m.: Paintings by Dorna McDonald May on display in the Visual Arts Gallery;
7 p.m.: The Renaissance Players present the classic American comedy Arsenic and Old Lace in the Performance Hall. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children under 13;
8 p.m.: Laser Beatles: some of the Fab Four’s greatest hits come to life with spectacular laser effects in the CyberSphere ($6 all seats), and;
9 p.m.: Laser X: a mix of alternative, rage and punk hits from groups such as Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, Stabbing Westward, Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Garbage, White Zombie and more with laser effects in the CyberSphere ($6 all seats).

For more information on The Renaissance Center’s Astronomy Day celebration or other activities, call (615)740-5600.

The Renaissance Center is an arts and technology education and performing arts center at 855 Highway 46 South in Dickson, just 35 miles west of Nashville on Interstate 40 at exit 172.