International Astronomy Week
Celebrate at the Ontario Science Centre
(Toronto, ON, April 1, 2003) – Celebrate International Astronomy Week at
the Ontario Science Centre from May 5 to 11. From viewing sunspots, making
craters from kitchen supplies and discovering the distances to the stars
– the Science Centre will be jam-packed with ways to explore the Universe.
International Astronomy Day is Saturday May 10
Lecture:
Saturday, May 10 at 1 pm
“Universe on a T-shirt”
Can science uncover a single theory that explains all of physics – a theory
so elegant and simple it could fit on a t-shirt? Canadian Science journalist
Dan Falk traces the 2,500-year-old quest for the holy grail of physics, the
“Theory of Everything”. This presentation will span the history of the quest,
from its roots in ancient Greece to the breakthroughs of the Scientific Revolution,
to today’s excitement over the string theory. Dan Falk is available after
the presentation for a book signing of his book “Universe on a T-shirt: The
Quest for the Theory of Everything”.
Lecture:
Saturday, May 10 at 2 pm
MD Robotics
Discover Canada's contribution to the exciting world of space exploration.
Join Mike Hiltz, Senior Systems and Flight Support Engineer from MD Robotics
who has worked extensively on NASA's Space Shuttle program as he discusses
Canada's role in space, and the many ways in which Canadians have contributed
to the field of astronomy through projects like the Hubble Space Telescope.
Free Lecture and Star Party:
Saturday, May 10 at 7pm
Ivan Semeniuk, astronomy specialist for the Discovery Channel will present
a multimedia lecture on astronomy’s hottest topics. Visitors are invited
to view the planets, moon, stars and more through high-powered telescopes
– astronomers from the Ontario Science Centre and the Royal Astronomical
Society of Canada will be on hand to guide visitors through the night skies.
Also on hand will be Mike Hiltz and Ross Gillette from MD Robotics, Canada’s
leader in space robotics and exploration – they will discuss the extent of
Canada’s involvement in NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and the International
Space Station.
Cloud Date: Sunday, May 11 Confirmation
hotline: 416.724.STAR
Workshops and Programs
Daily from May 5 to 11
Apollo’s Moon Mission: Where were you? -- Archived Toronto Newspapers
from that historic day in 1969 will be on display. Visitors can add memories
of the first man to land on the Moon to the feed back wall.
Solar Observing -- Join qualified astronomers and use telescopes equipped
with special filters to hunt for sunspots. Help create an animation of solar
activity for the Science Centre’s website.
Comet Making -- Learn what comets are made of and why they have tails.
Birthday Star -- Discover which star is the same number of light-years
away as you are old.
Planet Twister -- Visitors can test their flexibility and learn about
the placement of the objects in our solar system.
Pluto: Planet or Not -- Vote on weather Pluto should be considered
a planet by reading about the latest solar-system find: an object just beyond
Pluto called Quaoar that looks a lot like Pluto but will never be considered
a planet. Is this fair? You be the judge!
Crater Making -- Make craters using ordinary kitchen supplies. Then
take home a matching crater by making a rubbing on our moon globe.
IMAX Film: SPACE STATION - Presented at this theatre by MD Robotics
Experience an out-of –this world adventure – a trip into outer space by way
of the International Space Station on the OMNIMAX Dome Theatre. Not included
with Science Centre admission.
Starlab -- Toronto’s only planetarium takes you on an exploration
of the night skies.
For more media information, please contact:
Kristy Stratton, Media Relations Officer
Tel: 416-696-3191 / Fax: 416-696-3161 / kristy.stratton@osc.on.ca
Matt Akler, Media Relations Officer
Tel: 416-696-3154 / Fax: 416-696-3161 / matt.akler@osc.on.ca