On Friday evening, October 26, the
Challenger Space Center will host a fun-filled family evening
featuring out-of-this-world space-themed events and games, along with
a stellar Stargazing program using high-powered telescopes. The
evening event promises to be a refreshingly relaxing antidote to the
stresses our nation has been facing for several weeks now.
The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with an all-American,
galactically gourmet dinner of rocket booster hot dogs, cosmically
delicious chips, and a choice of soda or the official drink of the
astronauts, Tang. Dessert will consist of miniature Milky Ways and
Mars bars. At 7:30 p.m., after several space-themed family
activities, the telescopes will be set up and kids and adults alike
will enjoy listening to Professional Stargazer, Mr. Tony LaConte of
Stargazing for Everyone, as he helps us learn about and enjoy the
fabulous Arizona night sky. The program tonight is “Finding Uranus
and Neptune,” and consists of a slide presentation on the
constellations and planets, with information on upcoming sky events.
Included are stories of the night sky, featuring folklore from many
different cultures. Attendees can look through high-powered telescopes
at the moon, planets, star clusters, etc. Stargazing is an outdoor
program, so consider bringing a water bottle, a jacket, and lawn
chairs or blankets. In case of inclement weather, an alternative
program will be provided.
Dinner and space-themed activities is just $3 per person, while
Stargazing is an additional $3 per person. The “Out-of-this-World
Family Fun Night Package” (All-American Dinner, Space-Themed
Activities, and Stargazing) can be purchased for the discount price of
just $5 per person. Challenger Center members can attend
Stargazing for free, but must pay for dinner. No reservations are
needed.
In addition, the Galaxy Gift Shop, located inside the Center, will be
open from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for your early holiday shopping pleasure.
Featuring one-of-a-kind gifts, including “Name a Star”; unusual
posters, books, and t-shirts; and much more, the Galaxy Gift Shop is a
great place to pick up unique gifts or gifts for the person who has
everything. Gift certificates for simulated space flight missions are
also available, and make stellar stocking stuffers!
