The moon, stars and science exploration will be front and center for a variety of upcoming events at the Center for Earth & Space Science Education at TJC.
Total lunar eclipse viewing party set Jan. 20
On Sunday, Jan. 20, a total lunar eclipse will occur -- the last such event until May 26, 2021.
Live views of the night sky will be presented in the planetarium dome at 9, 9:30 and 10 p.m.
Guides will also be on hand to help guests view the eclipse through telescopes in the science center courtyard. Telescope viewing will be available from 9 to 11 p.m.
The event marks a number of astronomical firsts for the year. It will be the first full moon and first lunar eclipse of 2019. Plus, it will be the year’s first supermoon, meaning the moon will be nearly at its closest to Earth for this month, as the eclipse takes place.
Admission is free, but reservations are recommended by going to sciencecenter.tjc.edu.
Free Science Day open house set Jan. 26
The center will host a Science Day open house from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
“This is a great opportunity to come check out our exhibit, ‘Sportsology,’” Science Center Director Dr. Beau Hartweg said. “We will have special demonstrations, and the Perot Museum will perform their ‘Fire & Ice’ show at 1 and 3 p.m.”
Seating for the performances is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Free tickets can be reserved at sciencecenter.tjc.edu.
Tickets on sale for 8th annual ‘Love Under the Stars’
Valentine couples can enjoy an evening of “Love Under the Stars” from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8 and 9, at the science center.
“This year's all new dome show will include a discussion on love stories about the constellations and the mythology behind them,” Hartweg said.
Hartweg said the dome program will also include a look at the constellations visible in the night sky and a virtual tour through the solar system and beyond to visit places in the universe that have inspired or were inspired by love.
Tickets are $85 per couple (ages 21 and up), and includes: heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages; full-dome planetarium show; an outdoor, telescopic viewing (weather permitting); a couples’ gift basket; and a commemorative photo.
Advance tickets can be purchased online at sciencecenter.tjc.edu or at the science center ticket counter. Seating is limited.
The science center is located at 1411 E. Lake St., on the TJC main campus. Parking is free.
For more information, go to sciencecenter.tjc.edu or call 903-510-2312.