Press Room

This document and all Chabot Space & Science Center news releases and photos may be found online at www.chabotspace.org under Press room.

**PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN HOURS**
NEW — SUMMER HOURS (June 29 through Labor Day)

Tues – Thurs, 10 – 5; Fri & Sat, 10 – 9; Sun, 12 – 5 (Closed Mondays)
Free Telescope Observatory Access: Friday & Saturday, dusk – 11 pm

ACADEMIC YEAR (through June 28):

Full complex: Tuesday – Friday, 10 – 3
(Closed Mondays; also closed Thanksgiving & Christmas)
Evening hours, Planetarium & Theater: Friday & Saturday, 6:45 pm – 9 pm
Free Telescope Observatory Access: Friday & Saturday, dusk – 11 pm

Following is a sample calendar listing for Chabot Space & Science Center —
under "Museums," "Nature," "Things To Do," or "Attractions."
Please also list Chabot events under "Kids," "Films" and "Lectures."

CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER — Indoor stargazing in Planetarium, outdoor viewing through telescopes, daily screenings in Tien MegaDome Theater, interactive exhibits and learning center. Open Tues. – Sun.. Observatory hours Fri. & Sat. from dusk to 11 pm. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300. www.chabotspace.org

On the following pages:
Exhibits page
Ask Jeeves Planetarium/Music Under the Stars
Tien MegaDome Theater
Observatory/Special Events
Sky Calendar
Weekend Spotlight/ Classes/Lectures
Lectures/Challenger Learning Center
Facts and Directions

page 2
page 3
page 4
page 5
page 6
page 7
page 8
page 9-10

NEW — The Human Body Exhibit — opens June 8 in the Tien MegaDome Theater lobby! The Human Body is a 500-square-foot exhibit that offers a variety of hands-on activities. You'll find displays on thermography, x-ray and hearing as well as a computer fly-through of detailed 3D representations of human anatomy. The exhibit precedes The Human Body film, which opens August 30.

NEW — The Lost Spacecraft: Liberty Bell 7 Recovered — June 29 - September 15, 2002
See the actual spacecraft that sank to the bottom of the ocean in 1961 and learn about its recovery 38 years later. Climb inside a capsule, watch rocket launches, experience centrifuge-training, pilot a remote-controlled vehicle, and learn about the history and technology of space flight. This interactive exhibit takes visitors on a virtual ride 118 miles into space and three miles below the ocean surface as it recounts the story of the ill-fated 1961 Mercury space mission. The centerpiece of the exhibit is the actual Liberty Bell 7 capsule, which sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean in July 1961, where it lay for the next 38 years. Recovered in 1999 during a Discovery Channel expedition, the newly restored capsule is now on national tour in this exhibit developed and presented by Discovery Channel and produced by Clear Channel Entertainment-Exhibitions (formerly BBH, Inc.).

Zeiss exhibit — A display by the noted German manufacturer of telescopes, and other stargazing equipment, including Chabot’s Zeiss Universarium Starball in the Planetarium.

Spaceflight: Journey to the Stars — new and improved! Opens September 28, 2002
Explore the past, present and future of spaceflight in Spaceflight: Journey to the Stars, organized by Chabot Space & Science Center and NASA. Climb into a space capsule, land a lunar module on the Moon, and take a tour of the Solar System. See real spacesuits and NASA models of rockets and spacecraft, feel what it’s like to wear astronaut gloves and dig for “moon” rocks. Coming in September are added components: a Mars flyover and a 24-foot neon probe wall.

Our Place in the Universe — This feast for the senses uses 3-D technologies to give visitors a walking tour of the universe. The exhibit includes the fascinating Hologlobe, a dynamic holographic projection of the Earth's changing atmosphere, oceans, and continents, on permanent loan from the Smithsonian Institution. Chabot visitors may now do more than gaze at the heavens from a mountaintop telescope; they can gaze back at the Earth from a satellite in space! The EarthViewer 3D computer kiosk is a new addition in the entrance to Our Place in the Universe, giving visitors an opportunity to truly explore the Earth at the beginning of their tour through the Universe. The computer kiosk is connected through the Internet to a database of highly detailed satellite and aerial images of the Earth—and you decide where and how close up you want to look.

Planetary Landscapes: Sculpting the Solar System — Fourteen interactive sculptures, created by renowned artist Ned Kahn, suggest the natural processes that form the landscapes of our Solar System. During the summer, these sculptures will be on display throughout the Center

Astronomy In California 1850–1950: Telescope Makers, Telescopes, and Artifacts — Explore California's rich astronomical history and Chabot Observatory's own 117-year history through a display of telescopes, artifacts, and the histories of their makers, on loan from the Smithsonian Institution.

The Origin and Meaning of Meteorites — This stunning mural by artists Joy Day and B. E. Johnson is accompanied by a case of meteorite samples, where visitors can view these ancientremnants of the birth of the solar system.
Shadow Dance: Make An Eclipse — Partner up to create different types of solar and lunar eclipses. Activate sensors on the exhibit floor, discover the science behind an eclipse, and learn about eclipse myths, rituals and celebration found in many world cultures. This multimedia experience changes each time you visit.

Touch the Sun — Watch solar movies, explore the nature of light, learn about sun mythology of ancient cultures, and
find out about real-time solar energy usage from the Science Center’s solar panels.

Solar-B: See the Sun in a New Light — Learn about our Sun and the effects it has on our planet.

CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER
Calendar, June – September 2002 — p. 3

ASK JEEVES PLANETARIUM

Chabot’s Ask Jeeves Planetarium brings the night sky to life! More than 9,000 stars are projected overhead by our fiber-optic Zeiss Universarium Mark VIII star-ball, one of the most advanced star projectors in the world. Additional special effects simulate eclipses, supernovae, black holes, and other celestial events, and a laser system brings constellations and other objects to life, augmented by a 15,000-watt, 6-channel surround-sound system. The Ask Jeeves Planetarium seats 240 people under a 70-foot diameter dome, and features live and pre-recorded shows. Led by professional astronomers and accompanied by music, planetarium shows at Chabot Space & Science Center are both entertaining and educational.

NEW — Where in the Universe is Carmen San Diego™? — (Opens in July) Live science theater is coming to the Ask Jeeves Planetarium in July! This extraordinary show combines astronomy, live theater, a quiz show and music by Rockepella, resulting in an exciting, interactive experience. That infamous villainess, Carmen Sandiego, has escaped from prison on Jail House Rock, developed warp drive, and gone after the giant black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy! The audience must follow clues, answer questions and solve puzzles in order to locate Carmen's whereabouts. So get on board for an exciting journey through the stars, nebulae, supernovae, black holes and more! (45 min)

Legends of the Night Sky — (Opens September 1) Join Aesop, the 3000-year-old owl, as he tells the story of Perseus
and Andromeda. These two famous constellations are part of a thrilling tale of a brave hero, a beautiful maiden, and mystical creatures. This cartoon-like planetarium show tells the mythology of the star patterns we find above our heads. (40 min)

The Sky Tonight — (Ongoing, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm) Take a live tour of the starry sky visible
above your head on the night of your visit. The show includes a look at constellations, planets, and special celestial objects. Telescope viewing is included with the program. Bring binoculars to observe
the stars in the planetarium and in the sky outdoors. (40 min.)
Explorers of Mauna Kea — (through August 31) Rising 14,000 feet above sea level on the big island of Hawai'i is the summit of Mauna Kea, an extinct volcano now home to some of the largest telescopes in the world. Hear about legends of the volcano, find out how telescopes work and explore the cosmos with astronomy’s leading scientists. (45 min)

Starbound: A Sky for All Seasons — (through September 30) A journey through the jewels of the night – the stars – as we follow the earth’s motion around the Sun. Featured in the show are prominent constellations of the four seasons and the cosmic treasures they contain. (40 min.)

Wonders of the Milky Way — (Ongoing) This tour of the Milky Way galaxy, beginning with its formation billions of
years ago, includes a magnificent view of our galaxy’s contents as seen from the vantage point of our Solar System, as well as wonders discovered by modern astronomy. The show’s scenes and special effects are all set to beautiful music. (40 min.)

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS

Take a musical astral journey as you recline in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium while the simulated night sky swirls above you. (No regular planetarium shows on concert evenings.) For information call (510) 336-7300 or visit www.chabotspace.org.

CARIBBEAN JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Friday, July 26, 2002 at 8 pm — Ask Jeeves Planetarium
Tickets: $15
Steelpans star in this cool mixture of Caribbean, jazz and Latin music. This 5-piece group has played in many venues in the Bay Area and Phil Hawkins’ soloing is fabulous and worthy of note. Join us for an evening of beautiful expressive percussion and jazz.

NEW — The Human Body — (opens August 30) Peek inside the human body to see what keeps you going every day. The incredible story of human life is revealed in astonishing detail in this giant-screen film, which looks at the daily biological processes that go on without our control and often without our notice. Explore the science and mystery of the world hidden inside The Human Body, a presentation by The Learning Channel (TLC) and BBC Worldwide of a Discovery Pictures/BBC co-production done in association with the Maryland Science Center and the Science Museum, London, with major funding provided by the National Science Foundation and distributed by nWave Pictures Distribution.

The Living Sea — (continuing) Take an action-packed journey to the depths of the oceans. Swim with jellyfish and whales, and meet strange creatures living on the bottom of the sea. The underwater wonders of our planet are explored in this film produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films, in association with Nauticus - The National Maritime Center, the Ocean Film Network, White Oak Associates, Inc., and Dr. Robert Ballard.

Mysteries of Egypt — (continuing) Experience the magic and majesty of Egypt as never before. Soar over the great pyramids of Giza, cross the deathly quiet Valley of the Kings, and descend into the shadowy chambers of the sacred tomb of King Tutankhamun. (38 min.)

To Be An Astronaut — (continuing) Follow the rigors of astronaut training, the frantic countdown of missions, and the heart-stopping launch into space. Shot entirely on location at NASA. (approx. 35 min.)

Solarmax — (closes June 18) The story of humankind's struggle to understand the Sun, featuring live images of
the Sun and footage from around the world of solar observatories past, present and future. Travel
around the globe to historical sites of sun worship, learn from scientists studying the Sun, and view a total solar eclipse. (40 min.)

Chabot Space & Science Center continues its screenings of space-related, sci-fi and adventure films on the huge dome of the theater, on the first weekend of each month (two weekends in June). Call for showtimes, 510-336-7300, or visit www.chabotspace.org

Tickets: $5.00
• May 31–June 2 and June 7–9
• July 4–7
• August 2–4
• August 30–September 2

Contact (1997, rated PG)
The Right Stuff (1983, rated PG)
October Sky (1999, rated PG)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981, rated PG)

Discover stars, planets, and colorful nebulae clearly visible in the night sky with Chabot's powerful refractor telescopes. The impressive 20" telescope, named Rachel, is the largest refractor in the western U.S. regularly open to the public.
The 8" Alvan Clark refractor, named Leah, is the original 1883 instrument donated by founder Anthony Chabot.

COMING SOON — CHABOT'S NEW 36" TELESCOPE
Later this year, construction will be completed on Chabot's new 36" telescope, which will be one of the largest reflector telescopes available to the public in the United States. The telescope's rolling roof observatory allows the telescope open access to 360 degrees of sky. Designed as a classical Cassegrain telescope, the f/8 (288-inch) optical path incorporates several mirrors which bring starlight to a focus at a height much more usable than most telescopes its size. With a tube only seven feet long, the average height above the floor for the viewing eyepiece will be around five feet.

Large reflector telescopes enable the human eye to discern the colors of deep space objects, offering breathtaking views of the cosmos. The telescope will be fully computer-controlled and remotely operable. The telescope's digital CCD camera will capture photographs of distant galaxies in a matter of minutes, which will then be accessible through Chabot's website. The telescope, funded through a generous donation from Merrill and Lillian Martin of Oakland, will be named "Nellie" after Mr. Martin’s grandmother and youngest daughter.

Telescopes are open for free public viewing Friday and Saturday, dusk–11pm

Telescope Makers’ Workshop
Fridays, 7 pm – 10 pm (major holidays excluded)

Founded in 1967, the Telescope Makers’ Workshop is an all-volunteer group committed to helping people build their own telescopes. Bring your interest and curiosity — they provide the knowledge, enthusiasm and advice to help you complete your telescope-making projects. No experience necessary. For information: 510-336-7368 or www.chabotspace.org

Solar Eclipse Viewing at Chabot
Monday, June 10, 4 pm to 8 pm
Tickets: $8 Adults, $5.50 Youth & Seniors; free for Chabot Members.

Chabot Space & Science Center offers exclusive viewing of the June 10 partial solar eclipse visible along the Pacific Coast, with safe eclipse viewing from the Observatory Plaza and a direct feed of the eclipse from Chabot's 8-inch telescope to MATV screens in the complex. The afternoon hands-on solar activities, a special eclipse planetarium show, the MegaDome movie “Solarmax”, and more. Viewers at the Science Center will see almost 72% of the sun obscured. In the Bay Area, the eclipse begins at 5:05 pm, reaches its maximum at 6:16 pm, and ends at 7:18 pm. Sunset that evening will be at 8:20 pm.

The June 10 solar eclipse is not considered total because at its maximum (which occurs over the mid-Pacific Ocean) the Moon is far enough away from Earth that its disc will not cover the full orb of the Sun. As the Moon glides past the Sun, some sunlight will "leak" around the edges and the eclipse will appear as an annular ring of light around a coal black disc. Annular eclipses are not rare (one was seen in California in January 1992), yet this eclipse has some unusual properties. The eclipse begins on June 11, then travels eastward and crosses the International Date Line to end on June 10! When it makes land fall just south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the annular eclipse will occur just seconds before sunset.
Tickets: 510-336-7373.

Summer Solstice at Chabot, June 21
Friday, June 21
General admission: $8 Adults, $5.50 Youth & Seniors; free for Chabot Members.

Celebrate the height of summer at Chabot, observing the Summer Solstice through the alignment of the sky calendar on the rotunda floor. Special programs to be announced.

June–September 2002 Sky Calendar
The planets that gathered in our evening sky during Spring have almost all vanished into the glare of the Sun, and will reappear in the morning sky before dawn. Only Venus is left. Unfortunately, the Ecliptic, the path of the planets around the Sun, is tipped at a shallow angle to the horizon at sunset at this time of year, and Venus lies so low on the horizon just after sunset at our latitude that it is almost impossible to see in late summer.

Now is the time to use your binoculars or a low power, wide field telescope to cruise through the wonders of the summer Milky Way, with its nebulae and its star clusters. The center of the Galaxy lies low in the south in the constellations of Sagittarius, the Archer, and Scorpius, the Scorpion. Looking toward Deneb, the tail of Cygnus the Swan, and one of the three bright stars that make up the Summer Triangle, we look in the direction our part of the Galaxy is moving as it circles the galactic hub, and the sky is thick with celestial wonders.

The jewels of the heavens make their finest appearance throughout the summer months. Stretched across the sky from horizon to horizon during the summer months, the glowing band of our Milky Way Galaxy holds many of these treasures. Looking directly south towards the constellation of Sagittarius, a viewer will see a rich concentration of brightness caused by millions of stars. This marks the center of our galaxy, an area replete with globular star clusters, open star clusters and stellar nurseries.

With even the lowest power binoculars, an observer can scan eastward from the horizon near Scorpius and see M80, a bright mass of faint stars to the northwest of the brilliant red star Antares. Continuing up the Milky Way and over into Sagittarius one will see M22, another rich globular cluster. Further along, The Lagoon Nebula, a stellar nursery with its cluster of newborn stars is visible. Next to it is The Trifid Nebula, a gaseous cloud named for its three-segmented appearance in telescopes. Finally, above and shining brightly is the beautiful Swan Nebula.

The public is invited to visit Chabot on any clear Friday and Saturday night to learn more about the wonders of the summer Milky Way.

CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER
Calendar, June – September 2002 — p. 7

WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT

The Wonders of Gravity
Saturdays & Sundays through June 30
Demonstrations: every half hour from 12:30pm to 3:30pm (Chemistry/Physics Lab)
Hands-on activities: 12:30pm – 2pm; 2:30pm – 4pm (Teacher Resource Center)

Why does it take such a big rocket to get into space? Why does the international space station orbit? Are the astronauts really in zero gravity? Where does gravity stop? Why do we weigh different amounts on other planets? What helps the sun create all of its energy? How is a black hole formed?
All these questions and more can be answered with the newest weekend spotlight theme: The Wonders of Gravity. There will be fun gravity-defying demonstrations in the chemistry/physics lab starting every 30 minutes, where visitors will discover the answers to all of those questions and more. Hands-on activities in the Teacher Resource Center will further explore the wonders of gravity and how it relates to our everyday life. Learn about air resistance, terminal velocity and how they affect our understanding of gravity.

Rockets, Rockets, Rockets!
Daily, July 1 – Sept. 2; 11 am – 1 pm; 2pm – 4 pm
Saturdays and Sundays, September 3 – September 30, 2002; 12:30pm to 2pm; 2:30pm to 4pm
Hands-on activities: Chem/Physics Lab, Envirograden & Amphitheater

Investigate rockets and how they work, as you make and launch simple rockets, as an introduction to the science of
rocketry. Drop-in workshops include:

Training Sessions in Starry Night Pro Astronomy Software
Saturdays & Sundays through September, 12 noon – 4 pm
Computer Lab, Ages 8 & Up
Free with General Admission

Do you want to explore the variety of objects in the night sky? Starry Night Pro software training will get you started as a desktop astronomer. Chabot Space & Science Center is pleased to offer 30-minute introductory workshops in our Computer Lab every Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 pm. Completion of the training entitles you to a substantial discount on Starry Night software in our gift shop. Sign up for your training session at least one hour in advance in the Computer Lab.

Discovery Club
Through June, Wednesday, 3:30pm – 4:45pm, FREE (pre-registration required)

The Discovery Club explores the adventures and mysteries of the universe through problem solving, storytelling, arts and crafts, experimentation and teamwork. If you would like to attend all, RSVP to dlaffoon@chabotspace.org or call Dionne Laffoon (510) 336-7362. Discovery Club is designed for children ages 4 to 7.

Summer Discovery Lab Activities
Begins June 18, 2002
This summer, the Discovery Lab will be hosting a variety of activities. Look for special guests and hands–on activities blending astronomy and other sciences with art, storytelling, special workshops, drama, games and fun. Look for our summer schedule soon on our website!

Chabot Space & Science Center is proud to bring you some of the finest speakers in science to address topics in the forefront of humankind’s search for knowledge. Each lecture will be preceded by an overture of classical music chosen by that evening's lecturer. A reception with refreshments follows each event.

All lectures begin at 7:30 pm in the Tien MegaDome Theater. Tickets are $5.00 each, available through Chabot's box office, (510) 336-7373 or through TicketWeb.com. Seating is limited and advance purchase is recommended.

July 18, 2002

Dr. Timothy McCoy, Associate Curator of the Meteorite Collection, Smithsonian Natural History Museum

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No – it’s a meteorite! Dr. Timothy McCoy, Associate Curator of the Meteorite Collection at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum, will be addressing what these ancient rocks from space tell us about the origins of the Earth, Moon and Solar System.

CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER

PACCT Discovery Missions
Saturdays, 10am – 2:30pm (Bring a bag lunch!)
For teams of adults and children ages 11 and older. Cost is $45 per adult/child team ($40 for Chabot Members).

PACCT is a series of programs developed to enhance a child’s interest and success in math, science and technology. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the goal of the project is to develop skills appropriate to science, math and technology. Each program helps to provide tools and techniques that will benefit the student in his or her future career. Discovery Missions are problem-solving scenarios that culminate in a mission. Activities based on current NASA exploration projects build on knowledge and teamwork skills to prepare participants for their roles in the mission.

The scenario: You will work together as a team to design, build, and present a proposal to NASA for a STARDUST spacecraft. Before flying your "Comet" mission, your team will conduct flight readiness test and participate in a remote navigation simulation to see if your design is ready for launch. Then you’re off to rendezvous with a comet!

Visit the Chabot Space & Science Center website at www.chabotspace.org

Location:	10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland (in Joaquin Miller Park in the Oakland Hills)
Summer Hours:	Tues – Thurs, 10 – 5; Fri – Sat, 10 – 9; Sunday, 12 – 5 (Closed Mondays)
Free Telescope Observatory Access:	Friday & Saturday, dusk – 11 pm

Admission: General admission: $8.00/$5.50 seniors and children.
FREE general admission to the galleries on the first Wednesday of each month.
(Offer does not include group admissions)
Additional charge for Ask Jeeves Planetarium and Tien MegaDome Theater.

Children 3 and under admitted free.
Students with ID receive $1.00 discount
° Planetarium and Theater visitors must also purchase general admission.

Tickets:	Tickets may be purchased at the door, or by calling (510) 336-7373. Advance tickets are also available on-line at www.ticketweb.com or by phone at (866) 468-3399.
Celestial Cafe:	Open Tuesday – Sunday. During your visit to the Science Center, take a break at the Celestial Café, where the menu includes tasty salads, sandwiches, desserts and beverages, as well as kids’ favorites such as all-beef hot dogs, pizza and slurpees. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Public Transportation:	AC Transit bus line 53 provides direct service to Chabot, from the Fruitvale BART station and points between.
Parking:	Convenient visitor-paid parking is available in the adjacent 3-level parking structure or in the Knoll Lot off Skyline Blvd. Parking spaces for disabled visitors are located near the main entrance (outside the parking structure).
Disabled Access:	Chabot Space & Science Center is wheelchair accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are available without charge on site. Designated parking is available near the main entrance.
Info. Phone:	(510) 336-7300
Web Site:	www.chabotspace.org

Public Transportation
AC Transit bus line 53 provides direct service to Chabot Space & Science Center, from the Fruitvale BART station and points between.

By Car
From downtown Oakland, or San Francisco: Go east on I 580 to Highway 24 (towards Walnut Creek).
From 24, go south on Highway 13 (Warren Freeway) towards Hayward. Take the Joaquin Miller/ Lincoln Avenue exit. Turn left and proceed up the hill on Joaquin Miller to the crest, then turn left at the signal onto the two-lane portion of Skyline Blvd. Chabot Space & Science Center is 1.3 miles up Skyline on the right.

From eastern Berkeley, Orinda etc.: Go south on Highway 13 (Warren Freeway) towards Hayward. Take the Joaquin Miller/ Lincoln Avenue exit. Turn left and proceed up the hill on Joaquin Miller to the crest, then turn left at the signal onto the two-lane portion of Skyline Blvd. Chabot Space & Science Center is 1.3 miles up Skyline on the right.

From Hayward, Castro Valley and points East: Go west on I 580 and take the Highway 13 (Warren Freeway) turnoff. Take the Joaquin Miller/Lincoln Avenue exit. Turn right, and proceed up the hill on Joaquin Miller to the crest, then turn left at the signal onto the two-lane portion of Skyline Blvd. Chabot Space & Science Center is 1.3 miles up Skyline on the right.

Convenient visitor-paid parking is available in the adjacent 3-level parking structure or in the Knoll Lot off Skyline Blvd. Parking spaces for disabled visitors are located near the main entrance to the facility (outside the parking structure).

About Us

Press Room