Planetarium Shows at WCSU in March

Western Connecticut State University, located in Litchfield Hills http://www.wcsu.edu will host planetarium shows and public sky viewings beginning in February and continuing into May at the planetarium and observatory http://www.wcsu.edu/graduate/eps/obsws.asp on the university’s Westside campus, 47 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury. The events are free and the public is invited. Donations are accepted in the planetarium and in the hyperbolic funnel (“black hole”) in the lobby. All viewings take place on Saturday evenings. Parking is limited atop the hill where the facility stands, but more is available on University Boulevard. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.

The waxing gibbous moon will be observed on March 23. Jupiter can be seen April 6 and April 20, with the waxing gibbous moon and Saturn also viewable on April 20. Saturn, Mizar and Alcor can be viewed on May 4 and the first quarter moon and Saturn can be seen on May 18.

Viewing schedule:
March 9: Planetarium Show 6 to 7 p.m., Sky Viewing 7 to 9 p.m.
March 23: Planetarium Show 7 to 8 p.m., Sky Viewing 8 to 10 p.m.
April 6: Planetarium Show 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Sky Viewing 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
April 20: Planetarium Show 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Sky Viewing 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
May 4: Planetarium Show 8 to 9 p.m., Sky Viewing 9 to 11 p.m.
May 18: Planetarium Show 8 to 9 p.m., Sky Viewing 9 to 11 p.m.

The observatory houses a 20-inch f/8.1 Ritchey-Chretien reflecting telescope that is used for public observing and astronomy research by WCSU students and faculty. It has a German-type equatorial mounting and a computer-controlled pointing and tracking system.

Sky viewings are weather dependant and may be canceled due to cloudy weather or precipitation. Planetarium shows will take place regardless of sky viewing cancelations. In the case of hazardous driving conditions, call (203) 837-8672 the day of the event to check for updates.

About Western Connecticut State University

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.

The Discovery Museum Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month October 8th

The Discovery Museum and Planetarium is proud to announce free admission as part of its celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month on October 8th. To celebrate the day, Bi-lingual docents will be on hand to show visitors around the musuem.

The day's events will showcase Hispanic scientists, engineers, and inventors whose genius expanded the frontiers of science and space and improved the social and health conditions of populations around the globe.

Visitors to the Museum will discover the rich, Hispanic legacy and ongoing discoveries which contribute to our quality of life, whether it is finding the cure for leprosy or being the first female astronaut in space to represent the Latino population (with almost 1,000 miles logged!)

Events highlighted will include a Skype video conference with scientists at Arecibo Observatory, in Puerto Rico, with the distinction of being the largest of its kind in the world! There will also be Hands-On Dynamic Demonstrations (some bi-lingual) throughout the day.

A special favorite will be the four Full-Dome Planetarium Shows (some bi-lingual) that are being offered throughout the day. Make-and-Take children's activities, and a peak at the new traveling exhibit "Contraptions" will round out the fun.

A special feature will be live broadcasts by Radio Cumbre from the Discovery Museum that will include drawings for free museum memberships and passes.

About The Discovery Museum and Planetarium

Connecticut's pre-eminent science and planetarium resource for more than 60,000 visitors, school children, and teachers. The mission of the Discovery Museum and Planetarium is to "engage, excite, and educate" in the exploration of science, technology, and innovation.

The Discovery Museum and Planetarium is a hands-on interactive museum for all ages with over sixty-five exhibit areas featuring "see, hear and touch" explorations of science, technology and ideas.

The Discovery Museum and Planetarium is located at 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604. http://www.discoverymuseum.org.