FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Tony LaConte
Challenger Space Center Arizona – Stargazing For Everyone
21170 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria AZ 85382
Phone: (623) 979-1393, or 623.322.2001
E-mail: tony@stargazingforeveryone.com
Celebrate National Astronomy Day at
Challenger Space Center on Saturday, May 10, 2014
May 7, 2014, Peoria AZ – Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 10, when Challenger
Space Center Arizona celebrates National Astronomy Day with a full day of familyoriented, space-themed activities. National Astronomy Day is a grassroots movement
designed to share the joy of astronomy with the general population, "Bringing Astronomy
to the People."
On National Astronomy Day, Challenger Space Center Arizona will be open from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. for tours and exhibits, simulated space missions, planetarium shows,
science demonstrations and more. Then, from 6:30-9 p.m., the Center will host a special
Family STAR Night with professional stargazer Tony LaConte, including an informative
presentation and telescope viewing using large GPS-computer-controlled telescopes.
Everyone attending Family STAR Night and staying for the telescope viewing will
receive a free sky map. Visitors who bring a digital camera will be assisted in taking
pictures of night sky objects.
Events and activities between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. include:
10 a.m. - Doors open; general admission rates (see below).
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Throughout the day, the following events will take place at specific
times and are included with general admission, except as indicated.
11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.: Indoor Giant StarLab Planetarium program with professional
stargazer Tony LaConte. Inside the dome, visitors are transported into a night sky
environment perfect for learning about upcoming sky events, the stars, the moon,
constellations, planets, deep space objects, celestial coordinates, the seasons,
multicultural folklore, and mythology. Planetarium Fee: $4 per person (plus the cost of
general admission); 25% discount for Challenger members.
11:00 a.m. and Noon. "Leonardo Da Vinci and his Flying Machine." Half-hour
presentations by aviation historian, John White.
1:00 p.m.: Fly a simulated space mission to “Rendezvous with a Comet.” During the
space mission, team members in both the Spacecraft and Mission Control will take a
daring trek into space to rendezvous with a comet's tail and successfully launch a
scientific probe. Prepaid reservations are required by calling 623-322-2001 or online at
www.azchallenger.org. Simulated space missions are not suitable for 2nd grade and
under; students in 3rd and 4th grade must be partnered with a ticketed adult. Fee:
Mission boarding passes are $22.50 for adults, $19.50 for students and seniors, and
include general admission to the Center.
Events and activities for Family STAR Night, 6:30 - 9 p.m.:
Challenger Space Center Arizona is hosting a special Family STAR Night in celebration
of National Astronomy Day, Saturday, May 10, 2014. Fee: $7 per person, children 3 and
under free; 25% discount for Challenger Members. Scouts are welcome, but please call
ahead to reserve any Scout Activity Packets, 623-322-2001.
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Enjoy a special tour of the center and space simulated launch in the
Earth-Space Transit Module, and “Scout Corner.”
7:30 p.m.: Professional stargazer Tony LaConte will present an amazing interactive slide
presentation on constellations, planets, and upcoming sky events. Visitors will view the
Moon, Mars, Saturn, star clusters, nebula, exploded stars and galaxies.
8:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Telescope Viewing. Everyone attending Family STAR Night and
staying for the telescope viewing will receive a free sky map. Visitors who bring a digital
camera will be assisted in taking pictures of the Moon and Saturn through the telescopes.
The presentation and telescope viewing is appropriate for people of all ages and a
wheelchair-accessible telescope will be available.
The Galaxy Gift Shop will be open during the daytime and evening events with a unique
collection of space-related games, toys, books, posters, t-shirts and much more ... don’t
forget the astronaut ice cream! All revenues help the Challenger Space Center, a nonprofit organization improving educational opportunities for all.
Please call 623-322-2001 or visit www.azchallenger.org for additional information and
updates.
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About Challenger Space Center Arizona: Challenger Space Center Arizona is “The Place for Space” in
Arizona! The multifunction Space Center is a leading STEM education provider, aerospace museum,
Smithsonian affiliate, and special event facility, now in its 14th year of nonprofit service to the community.
More than 50,000 people visit the Center annually, including 30,000 students. General admission is $8 for
adults, $7 for seniors (55+) and military, $6 for children (3-12), free for children ages 2 and under and
Challenger Members. Challenger Space Center is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Saturday, Closed
Sundays. For more information, visit www.azchallenger.org or call 623-322-2001.
Go to www.AZChallenger.org for more information on visiting Challenger Space Center Arizona.