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Date: October 31, 2008

Astronomy Club to feature Orion the hunter

Orion the hunter may be second only to the Big Dipper in a round-up of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky. Most people don’t know much about it other than its distinctive outline.

If you’d like to learn more, attend the Nov. 8 meeting of the Davis Astronomy Club at Explorit Science Center. It will begin at 7 p.m. at Explorit’s Mace Park Branch, 3141 Fifth St. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

This month, the club will talk about the constellations that are currently visible overhead, particularly Orion and the deep sky objects located within it. Those in attendance will learn how to gauge the amount of light pollution in an area by counting the stars visible to the naked eye within Orion. Other notable celestial objects visible in the night sky such as the Pleiades star cluster will also be discussed.

In addition, planets Venus and Jupiter are spectacular in the evening/night sky, and Saturn is visible in the predawn sky. The program also includes discussion of these planets and the phases of Venus and Mercury.

Telescope viewing will be available after the presentation, weather permitting. Incidentally, membership in the Astronomy Club is casual. There are no dues and no formal meeting structure. Gatherings focus simply on sharing news and information about astronomy.
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On Nov. 15, Explorit will present a free Family Exploration program called “Plants Are Amazing.” Scientists from the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory will bring cool plants to investigate, including desert succulents and crazy carnivores. The drop-in program will run from 1-4 p.m. at Explorit’s main site, 2801 2nd St., Davis.
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As the weather changes, planning outdoor birthday parties for children can be risky. Rain and wind can put a damper on the fun. Why not have your next party at Explorit? The center has two party packages for children ages 4-11.

• The Basic Party offers use of the Explorer Room for your own activities and food plus time to explore all of the science activities in our two exhibitions. Available times on Saturdays and Sundays: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. or 2:30–4 p.m.
  


• The Super Party additionally includes an hour of educator-led group activities of a chosen theme with a make-’n’-take item for every party guest. Available times on Saturdays and Sundays: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. or 2:30–4:30 p.m.
  

Prices begin at $90 for up to 10 children. Explorit members are eligible for discounts on party food at Woodstock’s Pizza and the Davis Creamery. Reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance. To sign up for a birthday party, call Explorit at (530) 756-0191 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

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Explorit Science Center is open to the public at, 2801 Second St., Davis. The current exhibitions are “Body Blueprints” and “Move It! Science in Action.” 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. Admission is $4 general, free for ages 3 and under. For more information:  www.explorit.org or (530) 756-0191.