Astromobile To Debut At Robinson Nature Center

From HoCo: Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks’ invites visitors to explore the world of astronomy through Robinson Nature Center’s newest interactive exhibit, the Astromobile.

On display at the Robinson Nature Center from July 25, 2018 through August 2019, the Astromobile allows visitors to design their own stars, explore the universe in ultraviolet light and better understand wavelengths of energy. The exhibit also includes multiple interactive components and provides an extension to the Nature Center’s astronomy education.

Initially designed for the Maryland Science Center by Dr. Luciana Bianchi, a research professor for Johns Hopkins University and member of the research and development team for National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) mission, the Astromobile is on loan from the Italian Cultural Center of Maryland (ICCM). Dr. Bianchi originally designed this exhibit as a way to share the science behind FUSE.

“Through collaborations and partnerships like this one with the Italian Cultural Center of Maryland, we can provide a broader learning experience to our patrons,” stated Department of Recreation & Parks Director John R. Byrd. “The County hopes that through these traveling exhibits, we can continue to excite people about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).”

The components of the Astromobile enhance Robinson Nature Center’s existing astronomy and planetarium programs, including programs for children as young as three years old.

Additionally, the exhibit’s information is a compliment to View Space, a web-based, self-updating multimedia exhibit designed by NASA and hosted at Robinson Nature Center in its permanent exhibit space.

“We are pleased to host this temporary exhibition that provides a window into our understanding of the universe, demonstrates Robinson Nature Center’s commitment to STEM education for children visiting us and makes further connections to human interactions with the natural world,” said Robinson Nature Center Director Stacey Yankee. “This exhibit coordinates with current programming and we are grateful to the Italian Cultural Center of Maryland for proving us with the opportunity to share this exhibit with Robinson Nature Center patrons.”

Dr. Bianchi has donated the exhibit to the ICCM. This October, the ICCM plans to open the National Museum of Italian American Heritage in Baltimore, where the Astromobile will be permanently housed following its rotation at the Robinson Nature Center. The museum will celebrate the contributions of Italian Americans, like Dr. Bianchi, to the United States.

“ICCM is happy to have made this connection with Robinson Nature Center and to share this exhibit in a place able to take advantage of all the Astromobile exhibit has to offer,” said Monica Lapenta, ICCM President. “The exhibit is not only a wonderful demonstration of the contributions of Dr. Bianchi and others have made to space exploration, but also is filled with rich astronomy content shared in an interesting and interactive way.”

To learn more about the County’s Robinson Nature Center, located at 6692 Cedar Lane in Columbia, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/Robinsonor call 410-313-0400. For more information about the County’s County Department of Recreation and Parks, visitwww.howardcountymd.gov/RAP.

For more information about the Italian Cultural Center of Maryland, visit www.italymd.org or call 410-547-9934.

Image via Shuttershock