MARCH 2014 FRIENDS OF THE PLANETARIUM PROGRAMMING

MARCH 2014 FRIENDS OF THE PLANETARIUM PROGRAMMING
March 21-23, 2014 

The Friends of the Planetarium organizes and hosts public programs for one weekend each month. 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 uses 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.

The theme for March is Exoplanets!

Friday, March 21, 2014

David M. Brown Planetarium premiere of the digital program: Undiscovered Worlds
This show explores a timeless question: Do other Earth-like planets exist in the universe? Travel to distant stars and explore an exquisite and diverse array of alien worlds orbiting other stars: exoplanets. As the number of exoplanets soars into the thousands, space-and ground-based telescopes, such as NASA’s Kepler telescope, are revolutionizing our view of the universe, bringing humankind one step closer to finding habitable worlds orbiting other stars. (Trailer: http://bit.ly/1gNdVju)Suitable for family audiences.  
Running time:  30 minutes
Doors Open: 7:15 p.m. Show Begins: 7:30 p.m. 

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Saturday March 22, 2014

Saturday Science Lecture: Michael F. A’Hearn, Ph.D.Professor Emeritus and Research Professor of Astronomy, University of Maryland

“Exploring Comets”
Why do we study comets? Why should you care about them? The study of comets has been documented for more than two millennia but our modern understanding dates only back to 1950. In the last three decades we have begun true exploration of comets, with many missions sent to study them. This talk will consider the rationale for exploring comets, and assess where we stand in answering the key questions that drive cometary scientists. Comets can provide unique information on the early stages of the solar system, since they preserve a chemical record of the conditions that existed well before humans came on the scene. 
Running Time: 60 minutes (will include Q&A)
Doors Open: 7:15 p.m. Talk Begins: 7:30 p.m.

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Sunday, March 23, 2014
1) Screening of the digital program Undiscovered Worlds
This show explores a timeless question: Do other Earth-like planets exist in the universe? Travel to distant stars and explore an exquisite and diverse array of alien worlds orbiting other stars: exoplanets. As the number of exoplanets soars into the thousands, space-and ground-based telescopes, such as NASA’s Kepler telescope, are revolutionizing our view of the universe, bringing humankind one step closer to finding habitable worlds orbiting other stars. (Trailer: http://bit.ly/1gNdVju) 
Running time:  30 minutes
Doors Open: 1:15 p.m. Show Begins: 1:30 p.m. 

2) Screening of the digital program Magic Tree House® Space Mission
Travel with the brother-sister duo, Jack and Annie in their Magic Tree House® as they proceed to answer the questions left for them in a mysterious note signed “-M.” The show begins with narration by Mary Pope Osborne, author of the best-selling Magic Tree House® children’s book series. Viewers will find themselves perched high in the trees as Jack and Annie discover the note that asks them to answer a series of six questions about space. Magic Tree House® Space Mission is best suited for ages 5 to 12 and their families. Older children familiar with the book series may also enjoy the show. 
Running Time: 35 minutes
Doors Open: 2:45 p.m. Show Begins: 3 p.m. 

The David M. Brown Planetarium is located at 1426 N Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22207.

Admission for all of the above programs is $3 for Children (up to age 12), $5 for Friends, Members, and Seniors (60+), and $7 for teens and adults.

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.