This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

The Friends of the Planetarium Public Programs Begin

The Friends of the Planetarium will be organizing and hosting public programs for one weekend each month for the remainder of the 2012-2013 school year.

The Friends of the Planetarium Public Programs Begin

Starriest Sky in Arlington: October 19-21, 2012

“Going Beyond the Stars”

Find out what's happening in Arlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Friends of the Planetarium will be organizing and hosting public programs for one weekend each month for the remainder of the 2012-2013 school year. We've chosen themes for each month, and all the activities or presentations for a given weekend will be related in some way to the chosen theme.  The Friends of the Planetarium will use donations from the community to purchase digital full dome programming to complement the library being developed by Arlington Public Schools.  For a complete schedule, please visit http://friendsoftheplanetarium.org/programs/.

For October, the theme is protecting the dark night sky, covering three days:

Find out what's happening in Arlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Screening of "THE CITY DARK" (http://www.thecitydark.comTHE CITY DARK is a 2011 feature documentary that examines the disappearance of darkness and the human relationship to the stars. This 58-minute film asks a simple question: “Do we need the stars?” Blending a contemplative tone with cutting-edge science and poetic footage of the night sky, filmmaker Ian Cheney unravels the myriad implications of a globe glittering with lights

Doors Open: 7:15p.m. Show Begins: 7:30p.m.

Donations encouraged but no admission fee will be charged – A brief talk about light pollution will take place before the show.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Premiere of the first digital program purchased by the Friends of the Planetarium: Stars: The Powerhouses of the Universe  “Every star has a story. Some are as old as time, faint and almost forgotten. Journey to the furthest reaches of our galaxy and experience both the awesome beauty and destructive power of stars. Suitable for audiences of all ages, this dramatic program features the voice talent of Mark Hamill and stunning 3D animation.” – SpitzInc.com

Doors Open: 7:15p.m. Show Begins: 7:30p.m.

Admission is $3 for Children, Friends Members, and Seniors and $5 for adults – A few remarks will be made prior to the screening about the premiere of this full dome show and how supporter donations have made it possible.

Sunday, October 21, 2012 — Two exciting events!

Sunday Science Presentation by Dr. Andrew Clegg (National Science Foundation): Managing the Electromagnetic Spectrum to Protect Radio Astronomy 

Dr. Andrew Clegg has over 20 years of professional experience in spectrum management and RF engineering, in both private industry and the federal government. He is formally trained as a radio astronomer and electrical engineer, with PhD and Masters degrees from Cornell University, and a BA degree from the University of Virginia.

Doors Open: 1:15 p.m. Talk Begins: 1:30 p.m -- No charge for admission

Presentation of the full dome, high definition, digital program: Stars: The Powerhouses of the Universe 

Doors Open: 2:45p.m. Show Begins: 3:00p.m.

Admission is $3 for Children, Friends Members, and Seniors and $5 for adults – A few remarks will be made prior to the screening about the premiere of this full dome show and how supporter donations have made it possible.

~

Ticketing will be managed online at www.friendsoftheplanetarium.org and powered by eventbrite.com.  Online ticketing will end two hours prior to each show, and any unreserved seats will be made available on a first come, first served basis 15 minutes prior to the doors opening.  Further details and ticket reservations/sales are available at www.friendsoftheplanetarium.org.

ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE PLANETARIUM 

Founded in 2010 to save the Planetarium from being closed, Friends of Arlington's David M. Brown Planetarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that continues to raise funds to make the Planetarium even better, and to support Arlington Public Schools in providing enhanced science education in Arlington County. The Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium has an all-volunteer Board of Directors and Advisory Council. For more information about Friends of Arlington's David M. Brown Planetarium, please visit www.friendsoftheplanetarium.org.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?