THE KNIGHT SPACE
SCIENCE EDUCATION CENTER
AND CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER OF
ARIZONA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 26, 2000
CONTACT: MS. SANDI HICKS
623-322-2007
GUEST SPEAKER SERIES AT CHALLENGER
LEARNING CENTER OF ARIZONA
BRINGS SPACE EXCITEMENT TO EARTH!
• OCTOBER 3: DAN MATLAGA, DIRECTOR OF THE A.S.U.
PLANETARIUM
• OCTOBER 10: JOHN KULA, MOON EXPERT AND FORMER
DIRECTOR OF YOUNG PEOPLES SPACE CENTER OF CHICAGO
On TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 at 7 p.m., the Challenger
Learning Center of Arizona is pleased to host Mr. Dan
Matlaga, Director of the ASU Planetarium, as he presents
his acclaimed presentation “On Earth As It Is
In The Heavens.” This program, which relates the
story of “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville
to the constellations of the Zodiac, received rave
reviews from all those who attended it during the
Center’s Grand Opening celebration this past July.
This one-hour presentation is intended for ages 10-12
and above; it is not recommended for very young children
with limited celestial knowledge and attention spans. As
a prelude to his presentation at the Challenger Center,
Mr. Matlaga will be previewing his presentation at
Borders Books & Music, 7320 West Bell Road, on
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 at 6:30 p.m. Adult and childrens’
versions of “Moby Dick” are available
for purchase at Borders, or listeners can bring their own
copy with them to follow along.
Tickets to see Mr. Matlaga at the Challenger Center
are $5 per person; Challenger Center members are free.
Tickets are available at Borders, or at the Challenger
Center. Space is limited; please call the Center at
623-322-2001 for reservations.
On TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, Mr. John Kula,
formerly the Director of the Young Peoples Space Center
in Chicago, will begin a weekly series of lectures
entitled “The Amazing Moon.” His
presentations, which last approximately 50 minutes, will
take place on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Be ready to be amazed by the bravery of American
astronauts as listeners retrace with Mr. Kula the story
of man’s incredible journey to the moon. Capture the
spirit, excitement, and sense of wonder and disbelief as
man dared to land on a celestial body in space. Discover
why we went to the moon, what we learned, and what impact
it has had on our thinking.
Before Mr. Kula retired, he was a Supervisor and
Consultant to the Chicago Board of Education and Science
Department. Among many other honors, he has been inducted
into the Seniors’ Hall of Fame and has been awarded the
Oppenheimer Family Foundation Award. He is also a member
of the U.S. Space Society. Because of his involvement
with the space program, he has been invited to watch a
Shuttle launch, and has met five of the astronauts who
walked on the surface of the moon. Tickets to Mr. Kula’s
presentation are $5 per person; Challenger Center members
are free.
CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER OF ARIZONA
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER 1, 6:30 P.M.: Preview of Dan Matlaga’s
presentation (see below) at Borders Books & Music,
7320 West Bell Road, Glendale.
OCTOBER 3, 7 TO 8 P.M.: Dan Matlaga, Director
of the ASU Planetarium, will present his acclaimed
presentation, On Earth As It Is In The Heavens, relating “Moby
Dick” to the constellations of the Zodiac. This
event is $5 per person; Challenger Center members are
free.
OCTOBER 5, 3 P.M.: Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, one of
NASA’s first female astronauts, will speak to ROTC
students from Peoria and Cactus high schools. This
presentation is closed to the public.
OCTOBER 7, 10 A.M. TO NOON: Saturday is
“Sun-Day”. Observe the sun and see
sunspots, solar flares, and other solar features using
safe professional solar filters. The slide presentation
starts at 10 a.m.; telescope viewing begins at 10:30 a.m.
This event is $3 per person; Challenger Center members
are free.
OCTOBER 10 (AND FOLLOWING TUESDAYS), 10:30 A.M. AND
1:30 P.M.: “The Amazing Moon,” a
series of presentations by Mr. John Kula, former Director
of the Young Peoples Space Center in Chicago and a member
of the U.S. Space Society. This event is $5 per person;
Challenger Center members are free.
OCTOBER 13, 7:30 TO 9:30 P.M.: Friday Night
Family Stargazing—Myths and Legends of the Night
Sky. Enjoy a slide presentation on the constellations
and planets, including stories of the night sky. After
the presentation, look through telescopes at the moon,
planets, star clusters, etc. Bring lawn chairs or
blankets. This event is $3 per person; Challenger Center
members are free.
OCTOBER 17 AND 24, 7 TO 9 P.M.: Binocular
Stargazing Class #2 (a two-night class). Learn to
identify constellations as well as how to use planisphere
and star charts. Binoculars and photographic equipment
will be available, or bring your own. This class is
designed for teenagers and adults; children ages 9 to 12
are welcome with an adult. This class is $25 per person;
Challenger Center members receive a 10% discount.
NOVEMBER 14, 7 P.M.: “Voices from the
Past: Galileo,” a theater performance by the
Flagstaff-based Lowell Observatory Performers. Famous
astronomers from the past will come alive in this program
that combines astronomy, history, and theater. This event
is $5 per person; Challenger Center members are free.
(Separate press release will be sent.)
The Challenger Learning Center of Arizona, a
world-class space science education complex that
celebrated its grand opening on July 23, is located in
Peoria at 21170 North 83rd Avenue, north of
Union Hills, just off Loop 101. For more information and
reservations, call 623-322-2001. Visit the Center on the
web at .
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