Celebrate the Cosmos with Clark Planetarium and University of Utah during Astronomy Day

SALT LAKE CITY (April 22, 2010) — Join Clark Planetarium, the University of Utah and Salt Lake Astronomical Society (SLAS) on Saturday, April 24 to celebrate Astronomy Day, a nationwide celebration of the passion for astronomy.

This entertaining and educational event gives the public an opportunity to view the sun and stars through telescopes, participate in space science demonstrations and see astronomy presentations in the Hansen Dome Theatre at Clark Planetarium. Many activities are free and shows can be enjoyed for as little as $1 per person.

“Astronomy Day is all about encouraging individuals and families to learn about space and science and generally gain a greater appreciation for the cosmos and our place in it,” said Seth Jarvis, planetarium director. “It’s so easy to forget that every night we have an amazing astronomy program, live, right above our heads. All you have to do is look up. Astronomy Day is a national reminder that the universe is filled with beauty, mystery and wonder.”

In addition to the many planned activities, Clark Planetarium will be giving away a Celestron 50th Anniversary “FirstScope” telescope with a chance to win a NexStar 6SE computer-controlled telescope as a grand prize, courtesy of Celestron Telescopes. Astronomy magazine has also donated complimentary magazine issues that will be available to those who attend, while supplies last.

Astronomy Day Schedule: Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

SLAS Activity:
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.  Sun Party at Winchester Park (6400 S. 1100 W.)

Clark Planetarium Activities:
Showtimes listed below feature $1 ticket pricing at the ticket window the day of event.
12:30 p.m. Attack of the Space Pirates
1:30 p.m. "The Universe for Newbies" Lecture by Clark Planetarium Director, Seth Jarvis
2:30 p.m. Ultimate Universe
3:30 p.m. Black Holes
4:30 p.m. "Nighttime Observing Techniques" Lecture by Clark Planetarium Programs Manager, Mike Murray
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.  Complimentary activities and science demonstrations in the lobby of Clark Planetarium


University of Utah Observatory Activities:
5:30 p.m. – Dusk  Solar Observing at the South Physics Observatory (125 S. 1400 E.)
Dusk – 11 p.m. First Light Star party – weather permitting.

About Clark Planetarium: Clark Planetarium’s mission is to create and present stimulating educational programs that effectively share astronomy and space exploration information with Salt Lake County residents, Utah students, educators and families, and visitors from around the country and the world. Visit them on the web at http://www.clarkplanetarium.org/ .

About University of Utah Observatory: For 33 years, the South Physics Observatory has been providing Astronomy outreach to the Salt Lake Valley. Today, the Observatory is home to a number of telescopes and equipment to help further the education of students in the University of Utah and to the public. Visit them on the web at http://web.utah.edu/astro/ .

About SLAS: Salt Lake Astronomical Society is a private nonprofit organization comprised of hundreds of local amateur astronomers who enjoy the pleasures and benefits of an association of persons interested in astronomy. Additional information can be found at http://slas.us/default.asp .