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First Friday: Winter Skies
February 4, 2022 @ 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Launch into the starry night!
Friday, February 4
6-10 p.m.
$15 adults; $10 kids/seniors; $5 members
Have a stellar night of after-hours fun as we relaunch our fan-favorite First Friday series. Get the inside scoop on everyone’s favorite dwarf planet, Pluto and winter’s constellations. Then, gaze into the depths of the cosmos with a virtual reality installation, live Sky Tonight Zeiss Planetarium Show, Telescope Viewing! For a discounted price, this event brings together the best of Chabot’s themed workshops, music, talks and more.
COVID-19 Community Agreements
Following the Oakland City Municipal Code Ordinance, all visitors (age 12+) must show proof of CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination. Visitors (age 18+) must also present a valid photo ID at the front desk. Unvaccinated visitors with medical exemptions may show a verifying document from a licensed medical professional and a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours. >>
We ask that all visitors over the age of 2 wear a mask during their visit in all indoor and outdoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, we ask visitors to wash their hands, make space for others when exploring and stay home if sick within 14 days of their visit. To reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for our visitors, staff and guests, we are reducing capacity and frequently cleaning all high-touch spaces, including our telescope lens.
Schedule
6-9 p.m. eVscope Astrophotography with Chabot’s Galaxy Explorers, Observatory
Made by Unistellar, you will be able to practice your astrophotography skills using eVscopes to take photos of deep space objects like galaxies and star clusters.
6:30-9:30 p.m. “Exotopia” by Scott Kildall, Studio 3
Exotopia is a virtual reality installation where visitors can explore all the known exoplanets — thousands that have been discovered in the last 20 years. Exotopia generates a universe of extra-solar worlds based on mass, proximity to their sun, orbital path, and their habitability index. They range from surreal to mundane with colorful atmospheres and clouds. Visitors to this installation can “fly” to these worlds and explore how the planets might look – from planets containing with algae-filled oceans, rocky formations, toxic clouds, icy crusts, and more. The VR experience acts as a map to future exploration of the galaxy.
Scott Kildall has been working with art + technology + education for over 15 years. He focuses on transforming data from the natural environment, such as water and air quality into sound installations, sculptures, and video works. He uses custom electronics to create generative, data-driven experiences with uncertain outcomes. Residing in San Francisco, his artwork has been exhibited internationally at venues including the New York Hall of Science, Transmediale, the Venice Biennale, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the San Jose Museum of Art.
7 p.m. Star Stories with Doug Olson, Studio 3
Back by popular demand: Listen to an expert stargazer explain the mythology behind the constellations, stories from the night sky as seen throughout history and look for planets and other clues to help orient you to the night’s sky.
7:30 p.m. Live Sky Tonight Zeiss Planetarium Show
8 p.m. The history of Pluto and why it’s celebrated in February, Studio 3
9 p.m. Star Stories with Doug Olson, Observation Deck
Back by popular demand: Listen to an expert stargazer explain the mythology behind the constellations, stories from the night sky as seen throughout history and look for planets and other clues to help orient you to the night’s sky.
