'Astro Day' set for Museum

The Astronomical Society presents a day full of programs on Saturday, March 24 at the museum.

The family  event includes astronomy programs, children’s activities solar observing and planetarium shows will be scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Night sky observing of the moon, planets and other celestial objects (weather permitting) from 7 to 9 p.m.

Experts from the MMAS will be on hand to provide lectures, telescope training (bring your family’s telescope), solar observation and night sky observing. Museum educators will lead children’s activities throughout the day

All Astro Day activities are included with general museum admission ($7 for children, $10 for adults), except for planetarium shows which are $2 per person.

The activities:

Solar Observation: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Night Sky Observation: 7 to 9 p.m. (weather permitting)

Children’s Activities: Throughout the day children can explore astronomy with activities including:
- Making a unique key chain with UV beads that change color in the sun
- Creating an interplanetary travel poster
- Designing an alien
- Learning about chromatography with the blues and greens of Planet Earth

Planetarium Shows are at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Astronomy Talks: 11:00-11:45 a.m. “Eclipses”
Paul Blass, Morris Museum Astronomical Society member, will discuss the scientific importance of eclipses. Why, where, and when do eclipses occur, and how are they predicted in advance?

Noon - 12:45 p.m. “Alien Worlds?”
While we once believed the sun was the only star with planets, today we know of hundreds. Is Earth the only planet where life exists? John Scala, Planetarium Director at Lenape Valley Regional High School in Stanhope will lead a discussion on these new-found worlds, and examine our chances of really being alone in the universe.

1 – 1:45 p.m. “The End of the World, But Don’t Lose Any Sleep Over It!”
According to the Mayan calendar, Dec. 21 marks the end of a 5,000 year era. Some are calling this the ‘end of days’. Hear a talk on the subject by Al Witzgall, longtime member of Amateur Astronomer’s Incorporated in Cranford, who will explain the science behind this subject.

2 – 2:45 p.m. Solar System Tour – 3D
Get a close-up view of the major planets and their moons in this 3D tour, created using actual images from NASA/ESA missions and flybys. Presentation by MMAS member Krishnadas Kootale.

3 – 3:45 p.m. “Asteroid Impact” Learn about the history of asteroid impacts on the moon and the Earth in this presentation by MMAS member Joe Molnar.

4 – 4:45 p.m. “How Telescopes Work” Molnar will give an inside look at the optical workings of telescopes, using lenses and mirrors.

For more information about Astronomy Day, email programs@morrismuseum.org or call 973-971-3718.