Exclusive Space Observatory Images at the Discovery Space & Science Center

  • Sacramento site chosen as one of 100 in US to unveil ultra hi-res images
  • Image unveiling to take place 12 noon, Saturday, February 21, 2009
  • Local activities will celebrate “Astronomy: Discover Your Universe”

In recognition of the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first celestial observations, 2009 has been designated the International Year of Astronomy. To celebrate, NASA’s Great Space Observatories – the Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Chandra X-Ray Observatory – are collaborating to produce spectacular multi-wavelength views of our universe.
100 U.S.-based science centers have been selected as sites for the national unveiling and display of multi-wavelength images created by the Great Space Observatories in February 2009. The Discovery Science & Space Center, selected as one of the 100 sites, will hold the local image unveiling at 12 noon, Saturday, February 21, 2009. Special activities and displays relative to the images are scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday in a special celebration, “Astronomy: Discovery Your Universe.” The goal of the unveiling is to encourage members of our local community discover the wonders of the universe for themselves. Following the unveiling, the images will be on display at the museum for an extended period.
Special events scheduled for the weekend include:

  • Light spectrum displays and hands-on activities
  • Solar viewing stations using white light and hydrogen-alpha
  • Telescope displays and information
  • Special planetarium shows
  • Lecture & slide show from Bryan Mendez, Ph.D., Education Outreach Specialist, Space Sciences Laboratory, UC Berkeley

Regular admission is required to participate in all activities. Members are admitted free.
The Discovery Museum Science & Space Center, 3615 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, is open Tuesday -Friday noon to 4:30, and Saturday – Sunday 10am-4:30pm.  For more information, please call (916)575-3942.