This page contains the material submitted to the local paper - The Davis Enterprise - for Explorit Science Center's news column published in that paper on Fridays.

Article for: The Davis Enterprise
Date: October 1, 2004
Author: Pamela Emery

ASTRONOMY PROGRAM OFFERS INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Whether or not you saw the PBS NOVA "Origins" programs earlier in the week, Explorit Science Center offers a chance to delve deeper into the origins of the universe. They are offering a free program tomorrow night that's a combination of lecture, activities, and night-sky viewing.

During the first hour of this astronomy program, which begins at 7:30 p.m., adults can hear a talk on the origins of the universe. Lloyd Knox, UC Davis physicist, will discuss current evidence of the Big Bang, the early history of the universe, and theories on the formations of galaxies. Knox's personal interest in astronomy stems from the fact that the laws of physics apply to the entire universe. 

"What is absolutely amazing is how general key and regular physical laws we study in laboratories on Earth are what we observe at the edge of the visible universe," said Knox. "This is absolutely extraordinary."

With adults in the lecture, Tara Barbier will lead youngsters in age-appropriate activities. "We will talk about how astronomers gather clues in outer space," said Barbier, Explorit's Family Explorations Coordinator. "Scientists can tell the temperatures of the stars, relative distances, the chemical compositions of stars and galaxies-all by studying light."

Visitors will examine what happens to light when viewed through encapsulated gases, explore the light spectrum, and learn how the colors of stars tell us so much about their existence. The children will be able to study the same physical laws that Knox speaks about in his lecture through hands-on activities.

"We will delve deeper into Earth and learn about clues geologists use. We'll look at fossils including a dinosaur skull replica," said Barbier. The children will also be able to explore the museum and perform the activities of the current exhibition "Inner Earth to Outer Space: Origins of Life and the Universe."

The last part of the program, from 8:30 p.m. until 10 p.m., will feature night-sky viewing for the whole family with assistance from members of the Davis Astronomy Club.

Astronomy Club Host Vinita Domier says that what we see each night changes constantly. Since the moon will be rising around 9 p.m. the night sky will be dark. "We will be able to observe deep sky objects such as nebula, star clusters and double stars and of course the moon, when it becomes visible," she said.

Tomorrow's program, "Origins of the Universe," is a Dennis Smith Family Astronomy Program sponsored by Origins Project funders.

Wander over to Explorit to explore the wonders of the universe through a lecture, hands-on activities and night-sky viewing. Since it's free, what do you have to lose?

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Explorit Science Center is at 3141 5th St. in East Davis. The current exhibition "Inner Earth to Outer Space: Origins of Life and the Universe" runs through December 12. Public hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.explorit.org or call Explorit at (530) 756-0191.