Visitors will be able to explore the winter night sky at the University of Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall and the UNL Student Observatory during a new children’s program, “Starry, Starry Night,” to be presented 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11, and Jan. 8 and 22.
Children will discover basic astronomy through hands-on activities like learning the phases of the moon using Oreo cookies, reading a start chart and previewing NASA images. The event includes a “Big Red Sky” tour in Morrill Hall’s Mueller Planetarium, where families will learn about constellations they can see from their backyards. Each event will conclude with a visit to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student Observatory where visitors can gaze through the 16-inch telescope to view double stars, the moon and star clusters. The observatory is four blocks west of Morrill Hall, on top of the Stadium Drive Parking Garage, Stadium Drive and T Street.
“Starry, Starry Night” is designed for kids ages 6-10. Attendees under 18 are required to be accompanied by an adult chaperone throughout the entire event. Program size is limited to 15 participants including chaperones. Tickets are sold the day of the program, on a first come, first served basis. Reservations will not be accepted. Regular museum and planetarium admission fees apply plus $2 per person. Museum members receive regular membership discounts plus $2 per person. Activities and topics may be adjusted because of inclement weather.
For more event information visit http://museum.unl.edu/starrynight.
