Astronomy Day

Explore the Moon on Astronomy Day at The Wilderness Center.

On Saturday evening, October 21, 2023, we’re inviting everyone out to celebrate Astronomy Day!  This year’s Astronomy Day at TWC coincides with International Observe the Moon Night, so we’re giving the Moon a chance to shine!

We’ll welcome Jeff Woytach, who is currently the lead systems engineer for the Next Generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Project at NASA Glenn Research Center. Woytach will present “Artemis the Next Steps into the Future”. The presentation explores the steps that humanity will take to return to the Moon and establish the first human outpost off Earth with the goal of extending the human presence to Mars and discusses why reaching into space is important for humanity.

Look at all the activities that are available!

• Moon Walk – buckle up and walk like an astronaut on the Moon.
• Walk Through the Solar System – Start at the Sun and follow the planet signs along the pond trail to learn interesting facts about each planet.  Find out just how far away Pluto and the Kuiper Belt are.  Pick up your solar system fill in the blank sheet.  Return the completed sheet for a fun prize.
• Build a Moon Calendar – You can find out when the different Moon phases are visible and where to spot the Moon in the sky.  This activity requires a few pieces to be cut out and put together with tape and a brad fastener.  Mom and/or Dad are welcome to help younger children put this together.
• What Do You See on the Moon – Use your imagination to see people, animals, plants, or other objects using the dark and light patches on the Moon.  This activity is for our younger visitors but can be enjoyed by all.
• Lunar Surface & Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Coloring Sheet – The LRO is mapping the Moon for the Artemis missions.   The LRO has carefully mapped the south pole region of the Moon where the first Artemis missions will land, and the Artemis astronauts will explore and collect Moon rocks.  This activity is for our youngest visitors but can be enjoyed by all.

Schedule:

4:00 – 8:30 Activities

4:00 – 5:00 Artemis Generation

5:15 – 5:45 Planetarium Show

6:00 – 7:00 Jeff Woytach

7:15 – 7:45 Planetarium Show

7:45 – 8:15 Planetarium Show

8:00 – 9:30 Observing in TWC Observatory

Bring a picnic to enjoy as the sun sets before exploring the wonders of the night through our telescopes with TWC’s Astronomy Club.

Hands-on activities and speaker programs are free.

Walk-ins are welcome for Astronomy Day

See our additional events to register for the optional Planetarium Show: Imagine the Moon. Showtimes: 5:15, 7:15, and 7:45. Tickets are $3/person and advance registration for these popular shows is required. Space is limited.