May 2012 is Astronomy Month at the Orlando Science Center

- Michelle Snow

On select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from now through June 3, the Orlando Science Center is taking Astronomy Day and stretching it into a month-long celebration during May 2012.

Throughout the building, demonstrations that examine gravity, what comets are made of and how space suits work will be taking place. It’s here you’ll find the Science On A Sphere exhibit, which connects guests of all ages to earth and space science through a dramatic visual presentation. Using a six-foot suspended sphere and state-of-the-art projection technology, explore our planet’s dynamic landscape and weather, tour the solar system and understand the complex relationship between our planet and its sister worlds. And be among the first to experience its newest program, Kinesthetic Astronomy, to learn about the four seasons and the rotation of the earth.

The aluminum-domed Crosby Observatory atop the Orlando Science Center will be open for SunWatch events during these select weekends. Peer through the powerful, 10-inch lens of one of the largest publicly-accessible refractor telescopes in Florida and safely gaze upon the closest star to our home planet.

On Saturday, May 12 the Science Center will open for the Crosby Observatory for night viewing from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (please note, only the observatory and planetarium will be accessible after 5 p.m. The rest of the exhibits will be closed to the public). Astronomy experts and volunteers will be on hand to make sure you get the best view possible.

Each Saturday, the OSC will also have speakers from NASA on hand to discuss their experiences. Caley Burke is an aerospace engineer in the Flight Services Program and she’ll discuss the launch of NASA unmanned spacecraft on May 12; Aaron Sherman is an instrumentation engineer and he’ll explain launch systems on May 26; and Richard Johanboeke is a contracting officer and he’ll talk about the Mars Science Laboratory that will be landing on Mars this summer on June 2.

Enjoy this star-studded month for $17 for adults and $12 for kids (ages 3-11). General admission provides access to all Science Center exhibits, live science demonstrations and giant screen films like Tornado Alley and Animalopolis. There will be a discounted admission rate available after 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 for guests coming only to the Crosby Observatory that evening.

For more information, call 407-514-2000, or visit osc.org.

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