Florida Museum Curator of Latin American Art and Architecture Susan Milbrath, pictured with a copy of the Codex Borgia in front of a replica of the Aztec calendar stone in the Dickinson Hall courtyard, will discuss “The Maya Calendar: Cosmology and the End of the World” at the museum’s next Science Café Nov. 27 at the Warehouse Restaurant and Lounge.
© Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Find out more about Maya astronomy and what the Maya actually wrote about Dec. 21 at the next “Science Café” on Nov. 27.

The final “Science Café” in the fall 2012 series will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the Warehouse Restaurant and Lounge, located at 502 S. Main St. Guest speaker Susan Milbrath, Florida Museum curator of Latin America art and archaeology, will discuss “The Maya Calendar: Cosmology and the End of the World.”

“I am doing this to counter some things that have been presented in a scientific way in popular culture,” Milbrath said. “The Maya didn’t see Dec. 21 as the day the world comes to an end, and their calendar extended far into the future. The audience should walk away from the cafe discussion being impressed by the Maya calendar and astronomy.”

This is the second year of the program in which community members and guest speakers gather at local restaurants or the museum to discuss contemporary science issues over refreshments.

“It provides a nice format for attendees to discuss science topics that are timely,” said Betty Dunckel, director of the Florida Museum’s Center for Science Learning. “For example, Dr. Milbrath’s long-term research has focused on the Mesoamerican worldview and links between astronomy and seasonal ceremonies. The program is an opportunity to explore whether the Maya calendar pointed to the end of the world, or instead other prophecies.”

A new “Science Café” series is planned for the spring semester.

To help plan for these free programs, please RSVP at least one week in advance of the café date with your name and the number attending by emailing aerickson@flmnh.ufl.edu or calling Amanda Harvey, 352-273-2062.

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Source: Amanda Harvey, 352-273-2062
Writer: Kate Schofield, kschofield@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Nov. 13, 2012

PHOTOS AVAILABLE

More than 1,000 visitors attended the museum’s Starry Night event in 2011.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Observe the night sky and explore the universe with the Florida Museum of Natural History and astronomy experts during the sixth annual Starry Night event, from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 30 at the museum.

Activities include a portable planetarium show and the universe in 3-D. Outside, visitors may gaze at the moon, planets and stars and learn about the night sky through engaging discussions with members of the Alachua Astronomy Club and UF astronomy department.

“Starry Night is a great opportunity for the community to learn more about space and meet with local researchers,” said Amanda Harvey, museum education assistant. “Visitors of all ages can engage with astronomy through the event’s interactive activities.”

The first 25 attendees to complete the “Passport to the Universe” tracking their activity participation will receive tickets to the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium. Other prizes will be awarded to all participants who complete a “Passport.”

The evening also features a presentation by Greg Laughlin of the University of California Santa Cruz, a leader in the field of extrasolar planetary detection and co-author of “The Five Ages of the Universe: Inside the Physics of Eternity.”

During his presentation, titled “The Fate of the Earth, the Solar System and the Universe,” Laughlin said he will share his predictions about the universe in the far future, including explaining which predictions are easy or more difficult to make.

“It won’t be a boring science lecture,” Laughlin said. “I want to make it fascinating and cool. Everybody shares the same sky, so to talk about something like this is unifying in a way.”

Starry Night is produced by the Florida Museum, University of Florida department of astronomy, Santa Fe College natural sciences department astronomy program, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium and the Alachua Astronomy Club.

For more information call 352-273-2062.

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Source: Amanda Harvey, 352-273-2062
Writer: Kate Schofield, kschofield@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Starry Night
6-10 p.m. Nov. 30

Activities list

The Fate of the Earth, the Solar System and the Universe, 7 p.m.
Join Greg Laughlin, a leader in the field of extrasolar planet detection from the University of California Santa Cruz, in a discussion about the far future of the universe.

3-D AstroWall (presentations occur on the hour starting at 6 p.m.)
Experience the universe in 3-D! Glasses are provided.

Astro Activities
Learn about space with fun activities and interactive games!

Black Hole Hunters
Discover the mysteries of black holes.

Dinner Vendors
Enjoy tasty treats, roasted chestnuts and dinner under the stars from High Springs Orchard and Bakery.

Discover the Invisible Universe
Listen to radio waves emitted by the Milky Way using the Radio JOVE low frequency radio telescope. Learn how you can use this equipment to listen to radio waves from Jupiter and the Sun.

Gran Telescopio Canaria
Investigate the science and technology used to create the world’s largest telescope, the Gran Telescopio Canarias.

Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
Visit with the staff of the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium and discover how their team is “bringing the universe to our community.”

PBS’s “Star Gazer” with James Albury (presentations at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.)
Watch the latest episodes of “Star Gazer” and meet its host James Albury!

Portable Planetarium Show (presentations at 6:15, 6:45, 7:15, 8:15, 8:45, 9:15 and 9:45 p.m.)
Enjoy the wonders of the constellations and the solar system with this fun and exciting show!

Prizes and Giveaways
Bring back your completed “Passport to the Universe” to receive a prize. A pair of free tickets to the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium will be given for the first 25 completed Passports!

UF Small Satellite Design Club
Do you have a curiosity for space? Want to learn more? Visit with members of the UF Small Satellite Design Club to learn about space systems and satellite design. Also, be sure to take a spin on the gyro-chair to get a hands-on learning experience on the principle of conversation of angular momentum!

Space Rocks and Space Shuttle Tile
Meet staff from the Santa Fe College astronomy program and see the Campo del Cielo, a 70-pound meteorite, as well as a space shuttle tile. Discover the oddities of rocks from space and find out how they differ from Earth rocks!

Stargazing
View celestial bodies through professional quality telescopes with the help of professional and hobbyist astronomers from the University of Florida and the Alachua Astronomy Club.

Tim Malles Space Art
See an exhibition of space-inspired art by area artist Tim Malles, who contributed brass plaques to the Gainesville Solar Walk project on Northwest Eighth Avenue

Tools We Use
Learn about the fascinating and unusual tools astronomers use to study the universe.

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Photos Available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Join the Florida Museum of Natural History and area astronomy experts for an evening of celestial exploration and cosmic adventure during the fifth annual Starry Night event, from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 3 at the museum.

Starry Night is produced by the Florida Museum, Alachua Astronomy Club Inc., Santa Fe College natural sciences department astronomy section and Kika Silva Pla Planetarium and the University of Florida department of astronomy.

Outside, visitors may gaze at the stars and learn about the night sky through engaging discussion with members of the Alachua Astronomy Club and UF astronomy department employees and students.

“The fall is a really fun time to look at the stars,” said UF associate professor of astronomy Vicki Sarajedini. “Familiar constellations such as Andromeda, Perseus, and Pegasus are visible in the sky along with some viewable planets from our own solar system.”

The evening will also feature a presentation by renowned physicist Michael Mumma, director of the Goddard Center for Astrobiology at NASA, titled “The Search for Life on Mars.”

“He gave a wonderful talk about the transport of water into the inner solar system,” said UF astronomy professor Charles Telesco. “More recently he was part of a team that discovered methane on Mars.”

James Albury, director of the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium and co-host of the weekly PBS TV show “Star Gazer,” will show clips from the show and lead discussions about the universe and other topics.

Each visitor will also receive a “Passport to the Universe” to document activity participation. The first 50 visitors to fill their passports will receive free tickets to the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium and everyone who fills their passports will be eligible to receive a prize.

Starry Night is sponsored in part by NASA and the National Science Foundation. For more information visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/starrynight.htm or call 352-273-2062.

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Writer: Logan Gerber
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Starry Night
6-10 p.m. Nov. 3
Activities List

7 p.m. Exploring Other Worlds: The Search for Life on Mars
Join Michael Mumma, director of the NASA Goddard Center for Astrobiology, as he guides you through the search for life on Mars.

The following demonstrations and activities are ongoing from 6-10 p.m.

3-D AstroWall (presentations occur on the hour starting at 6 p.m.)
Experience the universe in 3-D! Glasses are provided.

Ask an Astronomer
Want to know more about stars and the universe? Ask a professional astronomer!

Astro Activities
Learn about space with fun activities and interactive games!

Black Hole Hunters
Discover the mysteries of black holes.

Dawning of an Era of Personalized Spacecraft
Draw or create ideas for new spacecraft material and designs alongside UF engineers, who are designing and building modular and interchangeable miniature technologies for space missions.

Discover the Invisible Universe
Listen to radio waves emitted by the Milky Way using the Radio JOVE low frequency radio telescope. Learn how you can use this equipment to listen to radio waves from Jupiter and the Sun.

Gran Telescopio CANARIAS
Investigate the science and technology used to create the world’s largest telescope, the Gran Telescopio Canarias.

Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
Visit with the staff of the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, and discover how their team is “bringing the universe to our community.”

Pico Satellites
Explore the development of small satellites using K’NEX models, and learn about the activities of UF’s Small Satellite Design Club, such as its atmospheric balloon and microgravity experiments and nanosatellite design.

PBS’s Star Gazer with James Albury (every half hour starting at 6:30 p.m.)
Watch the latest episodes of “Star Gazer” and meet its newest host James Albury!

Portable Planetarium Show (presentations every 30 minutes starting at 6:30 p.m.)
Enjoy the wonders of the constellations and the solar system with this fun and exciting show!

Space Rocks
Meet the Santa Fe College Astronomy Department and see the Campo del Cielo, a 70-pound meteorite, as well as a space shuttle tile. Discover the oddities of rocks from space and find out how they differ from Earth rocks!

Stargazing
View celestial bodies through professional quality telescopes with the help of professional and hobbyist astronomers.

Tim Malles Space Art
See an exhibition of space-inspired art by area artist Tim Malles, who contributed brass plaques to the Gainesville Solar Walk project on Northwest Eighth Avenue.

Tools We Use
Learn about the fascinating and unusual tools astronomers use to study the universe.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Experience the universe like never before at the fourth annual Starry Night from 4 to 10 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Join astronomy experts from the Alachua Astronomy Club, the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, Santa Fe College and the University of Florida for interactive discussions, question-and-answer sessions and hands-on activities throughout the night.

“Last year’s event was extremely successful and visitors really enjoyed the activities and presentations,” said Rachel Greiner, education assistant at the Florida Museum. “Starry Night 2010 will continue the tradition of a free, family-friendly event with something for visitors of all ages.”

Outside, visitors can take part in a solar viewing beginning at 4 p.m., and later observe stars and planets through telescopes provided by the Alachua Astronomy Club. Astronomers from Santa Fe and UF will also be available to answer questions.

At 5:30, inside the museum, visitors may discuss popular astronomy topics with experts, view a 3-D show about the universe presented by the UF astronomy department, and try to lift the 70-pound Campo del Cielo meteorite. Younger visitors will enjoy hands-on activities including arts and crafts and creating a model satellite with K’NEX building toys.

Each visitor will receive a “Passport to the Universe” to document their activity participation. Visitors who complete the passport will have the opportunity to win special prizes, including tickets to the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium.

The event will also include a special presentation about one of astronomy’s most interesting topics, extra solar planets, which are planets that do not orbit the sun. Artist Tim Malles, who contributed brass plaques to the Gainesville Solar Walk project on Northwest Eighth Avenue, will also display pieces from his collection of astronomy-inspired art.

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Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Join the Florida Museum of Natural History and area astronomy groups for an evening of scientific discovery during the annual Starry Night event from 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 25.

Produced by the Florida Museum, University of Florida Astronomy Department, Santa Fe College Astronomy, Florida Space Grant Consortium and Alachua Astronomy Club, Starry Night is a free event full of activities for the entire family. This night of inter-planetary adventure gives visitors a chance to speak with expert astronomers, learn about the tools they use and see rocks from space. Attendees can build their own telescope, talk to an astronomer, meet an astronaut, win door prizes and other free gifts and more!

This year’s Starry Night is a part of the International Year of Astronomy, a yearlong celebration of astronomy and its impact on society and culture. The goal of the international celebration is to stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy and science, especially among young people. It also commemorates the 400th anniversary of the first use of a telescope by Galileo Galilei.

Starry Night visitors will have the opportunity to build their own “Galileoscope,” a working telescope and the cornerstone project of the International Year of Astronomy. Workshops are free and available to the first 50 visitors who register. Registration will begin at 5 p.m.

As visitors participate in different space-themed activities, they can earn stamps for their “Passport to the Universe.” Visit the portable planetarium for a spectacular display of the universe as seen from Earth, or check out the Astro Wall to see a moonscape in 3-D.

At 6 and 7 p.m., retired U.S. Navy Capt. and former NASA astronaut Winston E. Scott will share about his time in orbit and experience working on the Hubble telescope. Scott, dean of the Florida Institute of Technology College of Aeronautics in Melbourne, will answer questions and sign copies of his book, “Reflections from Earth Orbit,” following his talks. The book will be available for purchase in the museum gift shop.

This event is also sponsored by the Florida Space Grant Consortium and the GE Foundation.

For more information visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/starrynight or call 352-273-2063.

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Schedule of Events

Meet an Astronaut! – 6 and 7 p.m. Capt. Winston Scott will share stories of his life as an astronaut and his adventures in space. Ask him a question and enter the book raffle afterward. Scott will also sign copies of his 2005 book, “Reflections from Earth Orbit.”

The Science of Space – 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Join UF astronomers as they delve into popular astronomy topics. Presentations will last 15 minutes followed by questions and an amazing 3-D show with the Astro Wall.
5:30 p.m. – Black Holes with professor Steve Eikenberry
6:30 p.m. – Dark Matter with professor Anthony Gonzalez
7:30 p.m. – Extrasolar planets with professor Eric Ford
8:30 p.m. – The Formation of Stars with professor Elizabeth Lada

Build a Telescope – 5:15, 6:15, 7:15 and 8:15 p.m. Register at the front desk for a spot in one of these one-hour workshops. Participants 10 years and older will create their own telescope perfect for backyard stargazing. NOTE: Tripod is necessary for home use of telescope, and is not provided.

Arts and Crafts – 5-8 p.m. Learn about space with fun crafts and activities!

6:45 p.m. – “Galileo Gainesville” Experience the life and times of Galileo Galilei, as told through the Gainesville theatre group, Star Dust.

6 – 8 p.m. A quartet from the Gainesville Chamber Orchestra will entertain with “The Music of the Planets,” excerpts from their upcoming spring show.

The following demonstrations and activities are ongoing from 5-10 p.m.:

Solar Viewing and Stargazing – See celestial bodies with the help of professional and hobbyist astronomers.

Passport to the Universe - Visit the demonstrations and activities to collect stamps and fill the “Passport to the Universe.”

Door Prizes - Receive a ticket for a chance to win a fantastic astronomy prize! Door prize contest entry is free with event attendance.

Portable Planetarium Show (approx. every 20 minutes) – Enjoy the wonders of the constellations and the solar system with this fun and exciting show!

Ask an Astronomer - Want to know more about the science behind the stars? Ask a professional astronomer!

Tools We Use - Find out about the fascinating and unusual tools that astronomers use to study the universe.

The Gran Telescopio Canarias and “A History of the Telescope” - Investigate the science and technology that created the world’s largest telescope, the Gran Telescopio Canarias.

Discover the Invisible Universe - Listen to radio waves emitted by the Milky Way using the Radio Jove low frequency radio telescope. Learn how you can use this equipment to listen to radio waves from Jupiter and the Sun.

Space Rocks – Visit with a Santa Fe College astronomer and view SFC’s 70-pound meteorite, the Campo del Cielo. Discover the oddities of rocks from space and find out how they differ from Earth rocks!

Tim Malles Space Art - See an exhibition of space art by local artist Tim Malles.

Pico Satellites - Learn about the development of small satellites by building a K’nex model.

Writer: Morgan Lamborn
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — See what surprises the night sky has to offer and witness the heavens through telescopes at “Starry Night,” part of Museum Nights at the Florida Museum of Natural History from 5-9 p.m. April 17.

This free public program will provide visitors the opportunity to tour the constellations in a portable planetarium and enjoy presentations and family friendly activities with the University of Florida Astronomy Department and the Alachua Astronomy Club Inc. Activities include a puppet show, astro-art project and a “Space Walk” using Geo Wall 3-D projection technology that will allow participants to experience space like never before.

At 6 p.m. in the Lucille T. Maloney Classroom, UF Astronomy Assistant Professor Eric Ford will share his quest for extrasolar planets with visitors. His discussion explains the uniqueness of our own solar system and how other planetary systems form.

For more information visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/museum_nights.htm or call (352) 273-2063.

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Writer: Marcel Raphael
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Activities sponsored by the University of Florida Astronomy Department and Alachua Astronomy Club include telescopes for visitors to view planets and stars, planetarium shows, child-friendly activity centers, a scavenger hunt and the puppet show “Red Star, Blue Star, How I Wonder What You Are.”

At 6 p.m., Stephen Kane of the UF Astronomy Department will present a family-oriented lecture, “Wanders in the Celestial Space & Beyond.” At 7 p.m. Charles Lada of Harvard University and the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics will present the featured guest lecture, “The Search for Stellar Origins from Antiquity to the 21st Century.”

“Museum Nights” are held at the Florida Museum and Harn Museum of Art most Thursday evenings while the University of Florida is in session, are cosponsored by UF Student Government. For more information visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/museum_nights.htm or call all (352) 846-2000, ext. 246.

Media contact: Paul Ramey, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

]]> http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/pressroom/2007/04/09/enjoy-family-fun-during-fla-museum-starry-nights-event-april-12/feed/ 0 http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/pressroom/2006/11/03/fla-museum-to-display-model-of-worlds-largest-telescope-two-public-events-coincide-with-uf-astronomy-department-exhibit/ http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/pressroom/2006/11/03/fla-museum-to-display-model-of-worlds-largest-telescope-two-public-events-coincide-with-uf-astronomy-department-exhibit/#comments Fri, 03 Nov 2006 16:42:00 +0000 Gerber,Logan R http://slurm.flmnh.ufl.edu/blogs/pressroom/?p=1461 GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will display a replica of the Gran Telescopio Canarias, the world’s largest telescope, Nov. 7-12 in its central gallery. The exhibit is free and on loan from the University of Florida Astronomy Department.

The actual telescope belongs in part to the University of Florida, which will form an international partnership with Spain and Mexico to construct it in the Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa. Expected completion is in 2008. The telescope will allow astronomers to view the farthest limits of the observable universe and study the formation and evolution of galaxies.

The Florida Museum also is hosting two free public programs while the model is on display.

From 2 p.m. to sunset on Nov. 8, the Alachua Astronomy Club will give presentations and telescope viewings of the transit of Mercury as this planet crosses the face of the sun for the first time since 2003.

Visitors to Museum Nights from 5-10 p.m. on Nov. 9 can enjoy face painting, create their own astronomy work of art, learn how astronomers use instruments to capture pictures with the telescope and ask experts about the study of space.

Media contact: Paul Ramey, (352) 846-2000, pramey@ufl.edu
Writer: Stacy Acquista

At 7 p.m., astrophysicist Fred Adams, University of Michigan, will discuss the fate of the universe in his lecture, “Where Are We Going? The Future History of Our Universe.” Light refreshments will be provided. There is no admission charge for this event.

Funded by UF Student Government, Museum Nights strives to increase student and community visitation at the UF Cultural Plaza, located near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road. It serves as an entertainment alternative for Thursday nights in Gainesville and offers individuals who are too busy during the day the opportunity to visit the museums in the evening. For more information and a complete schedule, visit the UF Student Government Web site, www.sg.ufl.edu.

Media contact: Paul Ramey, (352) 846-2000, pramey@ufl.edu
Writer: Emily Banks

]]> http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/pressroom/2006/04/06/fla-museum-alachua-astronomy-club-present-starry-night-april-13/feed/ 0 http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/pressroom/2005/10/27/fla-museum-astronomy-club-offer-mars-viewing-nov-12/ http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/pressroom/2005/10/27/fla-museum-astronomy-club-offer-mars-viewing-nov-12/#comments Thu, 27 Oct 2005 17:53:31 +0000 Gerber,Logan R http://slurm.flmnh.ufl.edu/blogs/pressroom/?p=1623 GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History and the Alachua Astronomy Club will offer “Magnificent Mars” from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 12, featuring presentations and telescope viewings of Mars and other celestial bodies. Fall nights in 2005 are expected to give the best views of Mars for U.S. observers in the last 50 years.

There is no admission charge for this event. For more information, visit http://www.floridastars.org/marsopp.2005.html.

Media Contact: Paul Ramey,  (352) 846-2000,  pramey@ufl.edu
Writer: Emily Banks