The stars are coming out

Visitors at the Florida Museum of Natural History will have an opportunity to observe the universe with astronomy experts during the eighth annual Starry Night from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 14.

A planetarium show featuring professional-quality telescopes provided by area astronomists will enable guests to stargaze during this free, family-friendly event. A 3-D “AstroWall” will also allow visitors to view the cosmos in another dimension.

Representatives from the Alachua Astronomy Club, Santa Fe College natural sciences department’s astronomy program, the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium and UF astronomy department will help visitors uncover the mysteries of the night sky.

“I think people love space because it is something we are completely surrounded by but also something most of us have never experienced first-hand,” said Florida Museum educator Amanda Harvey. “We’re really lucky to have an opportunity like Starry Night where people that specialize in the field come together to share what they’ve learned and are learning to help us understand space and to make it more familiar.”

The event features UF astronomy department professor Fred Hamann who will discuss “Quasars and Black Holes: A Journey Toward the Gravitational Abyss.”

Attendees will earn a prize by tracking their activities with a “Passport to the Universe.” They also have an opportunity to dine under the stars by visiting the event’s food vendor, High Springs Orchard and Bakery LLC.

While a cloudy sky may prevent stargazing, the event and other activities will proceed regardless of the weather. For more information, contact: Paul Ramey, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu, 352-273-2054

Credits

Writer: Rosanna Del Cioppo, rdelcioppo@ufl.edu