Astronomy Department shines light on East Gainesville

September 22, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — As part of an ongoing effort to reach out to the community, the University of Florida Department of Astronomy is hosting “Stars Shine on East Gainesville,” a celebration of art, science and culture, at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Joseph A. Williams Elementary School. The event is free and open to the public.

“We have been working for several years now to build stronger connections in science education between UF and the east Gainesville community,” said Stephen Eikenberry, professor of astronomy and the leader of a grant from the National Science Foundation supporting the event. “We’re very happy to present such an interesting and diverse evening where art, music and culture will merge to communicate the excitement and awe of science.”

In addition to astronomy activities, such as gazing through telescopes and exploring the universe inside a portable planetarium, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy cultural performances, including an Argentinean dance group, Spanish guitarists, African drummers, choral music from the Williams Elementary chorus, Madears Kids Dancers, and the Mount Olive A.M.E. Youth Dancers. Multicultural food will be available for purchase, and proceeds will benefit the historic preservation of the Eastside Cotton Club building.

The event coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month and is co-sponsored with UF astronomy by the UF Association of Hispanic Alumni and the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center. For more information, contact Veronica Donoso at 352-392-2052, ext. 260, or donoso@astro.ufl.edu.