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About Us |
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Press RoomMEDIA CONTACT: David Perry, (415) 693-0583 Judyth Collin, (510) 336-7310 Chabot Space & Science Center CALENDAR OF EVENTS This document and all Chabot Space & Science Center news releases and photos may be found online at www.chabotspace.org under Press room.
Exhibits | Ask Jeeves Planetarium | Tien MegaDome Theater | Observatory / Sky Calendar | Music / Special Events | Education / Weekend Spotlight | Distinguished Lecture Series 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."
The Human Body Exhibit New and Ongoing Exhibits Moon Mystery — new permanent exhibit! — A 3-billion-year-old Moon rock, no bigger than a child’s palm, is the centerpiece of this exhibit, which explores various enigmas in lunar lore, including the “Big Whack” theory of the Moon’s formation and how the Moon affects life on Earth. The moon rock is on loan from NASA's Johnson Space Center. Spaceflight: Journey to the Stars — through June, 2003 — Explore the past, present and future of spaceflight in this exhibit 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. 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 at the entrance to the exhibit gives visitors an opportunity to truly explore the Earth at the beginning of their tour through the Universe. The computer kiosk is connected to an Internet database of highly detailed satellite and aerial images of the Earth—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. Astronomy In California 1850–1950: Telescope Makers, Telescopes, and Artifacts — Explore California's rich astronomical history and Chabot Observatory's own 120-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 ancient remnants 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. Zeiss exhibit — A display in the Tien MegaDome Theater lobby, by the noted German manufacturer of telescopes and other stargazing equipment, including Chabot’s Zeiss Universarium Starball in the Planetarium. [ TOP ] 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. Planetarium Shows RETURN ENGAGEMENT! Where in the Universe is Carmen San Diego™? — (December 23 – January 5) This extraordinary show combines astronomy, live theater, a quiz show and music by Rockepella 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! (60 min) NEW — Sky Quest — (Opening January 25) Come along with a young woman on her personal quest to find a special place in the night sky, from her childhood adventures on "Mars" (via a cardboard rocket), to the discovery of her "birthday star" that led her to become an astronomer and build a mountain observatory. Sky Quest is an entertaining and educational exploration of the night sky that appeals to family members of all ages. The show is narrated by Roxanna Dawson, who played B'Elanna Torres of TV's Star Trek: Voyager. Sky Quest was created by Loch Ness Productions for the Albert Einstein Planetarium, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, and is distributed by Sky-Skan Inc. (40 min) SPECIAL FREE SHOW — Follow the Drinking Gourd — (February 4–28, free at 1pm weekdays) In honor of Black History Month, this video projection on the Planetarium dome traces how stars were used to guide the Underground Railroad, a secret network of people and places that hid escaping slaves on their dangerous journey to freedom. Among the Railroad conductors was a sailor named Peg Leg Joe, who taught the slaves a seemingly harmless folk song, "Follow the Drinking Gourd." Hidden in the lyrics were directions for following the Underground Railroad. The Drinking Gourd refers to the Big Dipper, which points to the North Star—and the road to freedom. (20 min) NEW — By the Light of the Sun: A Trek to the Planets — (Opened November 30, Ongoing) A sunrise on Pluto is very different from a sunrise on Mars. Follow the path of sunlight through the solar system and see how it touches and affects each planet. This show is designed and produced by Chabot with a grant from Lockheed Martin in conjunction with the Solar B project. (40 min) Destiny of the Stars — (On going through March 30) The lives of the stars unfold before us in the winter sky, from star birth to star death, including a final look at the fate of our own sun. (40 min.) The Sky Tonight — (Ongoing, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm) Presented live, the show is a current look at the stars, constellations, and planets from our perspective here in Oakland. The content of this show changes monthly. (40 min.) Wonders of the Milky Way — (Ongoing) is a tour of our Milky Way Galaxy, from its formation billions of years ago to magnificent views of its contents as seen from Earth, all accompanied by beautiful music. (40 min.) For show times, please visit www.chabotspace.org/visit/theater.asp [ TOP ] COMING SOON — To Fly! — (Opens March 15) A stunning overview of transportation and flight in America. To Fly! presents an emotional and visual experience as audiences float over the Vermont countryside and Niagara Falls in a balloon, thrill to the spirit of flying from wild barnstorming to the precision of the Blue Angels, and explore the beauties of flight with a cross-country cruise, hang-gliding in Hawaii and a rocket lift-off. Produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films. (27 min) The Human Body — (continuing) 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. (43 min) 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. (40 min) 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. (35 min.) For Screening times, please visit www.chabotspace.org/visit/theater.asp Sci-Fi/Adventure Film Series in the Tien MegaDome Theater First weekend of every month, Fri & Sat evenings at 7:30 pm, Sunday matinees at 4 pm. Tickets: $5.00 Chabot Space & Science Center continues its screenings of space-related, sci-fi and adventure films on the huge dome of the theater. For tickets or information, call (510) 336-7300 or visit www.chabotspace.org/visit/theater.asp
[ TOP ] 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.
OPENING March 22 — Chabot's New 36" Telescope (see Special Events section) The telescope will be fully computer-controlled and equipped with a digital CCD camera that will capture photographs of distant galaxies in a matter of minutes. These will then be accessible through Chabot's website. The telescope and observatory, funded in part 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, 7 – 10pm. Sky Calendar
January Following closely, about an hour later, is the king of planets, Jupiter. If you’re an early riser, look for bright Venus at its greatest elongation from the Sun in the morning sky on the 11th.
February Mars begins a slow climb in the eastern sky, visible very early in the morning but still months away from its magnificent opposition occurring in late summer.
March The Vernal Equinox is on March 20 at 5:02 pm. [ TOP ]
Dark Blue Sky Dream with Julia Ogrydziak and Elaine Chew Specially designed for the Chabot Ask Jeeves Planetarium, Julia Ogrydziak's Dark Blue Sky Dream transforms the planetarium into an artistic medium for music, thoughts, and visions. Live music performed by Ms. Ogrydziak on violin and Elaine Chew on piano combines with multimedia in this world premiere, which promises to be an unforgettable experience. The concert features contemporary music for violin and piano from across the Northern Hemisphere–from Asia to Europe to America–with compositions by Arvo Pärt, William Bolcom, Kaija Saariaho, Toru Takemitsu, and Maurice Ravel. Take this trip with two of the foremost contemporary music performers of today. Ogrydziak and Chew have collaborated closely with the top composers of our age–including Steve Reich, John Harbison, and Evan Ziporyn. They have performed worldwide to critical acclaim, and audiences have warm praise for their intriguing program selections and their refreshing interpretations. Dark Blue Sky Dream is the exciting continuation of Ms. Ogrydziak’s work in multimedia. From her days at the MIT Media Lab, and the MIT Center for Advanced Visual Studies, she has been at the forefront of interactive music and the visual arts. The planetarium show presents a rare opportunity for a new stage in this exploration, on a grand scale. So come and join us as day fades and night fast approaches. Experience sounds and images, converging and diverging, as darkness becomes visible and you find yourself inside, looking out. Up. Further.
Double Talking Helix Blues with Ira Herskowitz Do scientists sing the blues? Join us for an evening of rock and roll and science as Ira Herskowitz, Professor of Genetics at UCSF, sings about what it’s like to be a scientist and work in a lab and addresses the universal experiences of procrastination, getting “scooped” and rejection. He will also perform the “Double Talking Helix Blues,” which explains the mystery of DNA, based on an illustrated children’s book written by his brother, Joel, also a scientist. Dr. Hesrkowitz is both a microbial and a human geneticist whose studies with yeast address fundamental questions such as “what programs cells to be different from each other?” Although yeast and genetics are never far from Dr. Herskowitz’s mind, they compete with several decades of old rock and roll songs for his attention. The author will be signing his book, Double Talking Helix Blues, which is available from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. Special Events
Celebrating Black History A day of activities that include Meet a Scientist, hands-on spotlight activities with constellations & compressor rockets, Inventions and Inventors in the Discovery Lab, storyteller and choirs. In the planetarium, free showings of Follow the Drinking Gourd throughout the day, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 3 pm.
Live from the Aurora What causes the Auroras? What causes the beautiful colors? Why are they almost always seen at Earth’s poles? Why do some years bring more auroras than others? Spend a night at Chabot Space & Science Center and find out! Don’t miss this exciting chance to be a part of NASA’s “Live from the Aurora” documentary. As a participant in this overnight workshop, you will view a live broadcast from the Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska (from 2:00 – 4:00 AM) and ask the Alaskan scientists questions via telephone about what you are seeing. Documentary crews will be filming footage at Chabot to incorporate into the NASA documentary. Along with the live, interactive centerpiece of the night’s activities, Chabot will conduct fun, educational workshop-style activities for participants, provide local scientists to answer questions, and present a special showing of the film Solarmax.
Sun-Earth Day Join us at Chabot Space & Science Center for the third annual, NASA-promoted Sun-Earth Day celebration! This year’s theme is the Aurora: the spectacular atmospheric light show typically seen in Earth’s polar regions and caused by the activity of our life-giving star, the Sun. Come and enjoy learning about the Aurora, the Sun, and the intimate and vital relationship our planet and our star share. Activities at Chabot on this day will include: astronomer-facilitated telescope viewing of the Sun; environmental and Solar “Spotlight” activities; roving scientists; the spectacular film “Solarmax”; Discovery Lab activities for families; Computer Lab explorations of the Sun and the Aurora.
36-inch Telescope Grand Opening Celebrate the opening of Chabot’s biggest and brightest star—the 36-inch telescope, nicknamed “Nellie.” Enjoy an evening of stargazing, both inside in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium and outside on the Observatory Plaza. [ TOP ] Weekend Spotlight Activities
To the Moon and Back How are craters and mountain ranges formed on the Moon? How was Chabot's Moon Rock formed and how did it get to Earth? How far away is the Moon and why don't we ever see its other side? These and many other fun facts about our closest celestial neighbor are explored in these drop-in family workshops.
Spaceship Earth Join the excitement as our weekend Spotlight turns to fun and hands-on activities in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Each weekend of the month our activities will rotate, so that you can enjoy a wide array of engaging hands-on workshops. Spend some time comparing planetary atmospheres to learn why Earth is so unique. Or build and race a solar car of you own design. You might even be able to discover some new and exciting creatures in a pond sample, or build your own project out of completely recycled materials.
Adult Astronomy Class This Winter Chabot Space & Science Center offers a six-week astronomy course designed especially for adults who are curious about the universe surrounding them and want to learn more! This non-mathematical class will cover constellations, the Solar System stars, galaxies and the Universe. Historical concepts and modern research will also be discussed. This course will utilize the Ask Jeeves Planetarium and Observatories. Class space is limited! To register, contact Denni Medlock (510) 336-7368 or dmedlock@chabotspace.org.
Environmental Science Activity Days in the EnviroGarden One Saturday each month the Education Department's Environmental Science program hosts a special afternoon of activities for Chabot visitors. Join in some fun hands-on activities and demonstrations in Chabot's EnviroGarden. Learn about air quality, gardening, composting, solar energy and more. Discovery Club Discover the wonders of the universe in this parent/child after school activity class. Children 4 to 8 years of age and their parents are welcome. The Club is free, although pre-registration is necessary, as space is limited. Workshops are scheduled for Jan. 15 & 30; Feb. 13 & 27; March 12 & 27; from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. For more information and registration, please call (510) 336-7362 or email dlaffon@chabotspace.org. [ TOP ] 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. Lectures are on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm in the Tien MegaDome Theater. Tickets are $5.00, available through the Chabot box office, (510) 336-7373 or through ticketweb.com. Seating is limited and advance purchase is recommended.
January 16, 2003 — Dr. Steven Stahler, How Stars Are Made Dr. Stahler is an astrophysicist at U.C. Berkeley. Raised in Maryland, he attended graduate school at Berkeley in physics. He was a professor at MIT before returning to the Bay Area in 1992. His research centers on the problem of star formation and he is currently writing the first textbook in this field. Trained as a theoretical physicist Steve especially enjoys the esthetic aspect of his research, which he tries to convey in his public talks.
February 20, 2003 — Dr. Geoff Marcy, Planets and Prospects for life in the Universe Dr. Marcy began his career as an Associate-Full Professor of Physics and Astronomy, San Francisco State University and is currently a Professor of Astronomy, University of California at Berkeley. He has been the recipient of the Carl Sagan Award from the American Astronautical Society and Planetary Society, being the California Scientist of the Year, and ABC Newshours "Person of the Week." Dr. Marcy's research has focused on the detection of extrasolar planets and brown dwarfs. His team has discovered several dozen extrasolar planets, allowing study of their masses, radii, and orbits. Among the planets is the first multiple-planet system, the first Saturn candidates, and the first transiting planet. Dr. Marcy is participating in the Berkeley's new Center for Integrative Planetary Science, designed to study the formation, geophysics, chemistry and evolution of planets.
March 20, 2003 — Dr. Sten Odenwald, Patterns in the Void – Why It’s Good to be Afraid of the Dark Dr. Sten Odenwald started out as an amateur astronomer in Oakland at age 10 when his Papa showed him the stars in Orion's Belt, and was one of the founding members of the Chabot Telescope Makers Workshop in 1967. Dr. Odenwald is currently the education and public outreach manager for the NASA IMAGE satellite program. His latest book is Patterns in the Void: Why Nothing is Important. Sten Odenwald has hosted the award-winning website the Astronomy Cafe (www.theastronomycafe.net) since 1995. He has written numerous articles for The Washington Post, Sky and Telescope and Astronomy magazines on cosmology, and is a frequent planetarium speaker. He has also appeared on a number of radio talk shows including National Public Radio. His research work involves the discovery and investigation of the cosmic infrared background and the 'first light' from infant galaxies. He is the recipient of the 1999 Goddard Space Flight Center Excellence in Outreach Award and the Popular Writing Award from the American Astronomical Society, Solar Physics Division. [ TOP ] [ Hours & Ticket information ] [ Directions ] ### | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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