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800 Fort Negley Blvd. Nashville TN 37203 615-862-5160 www.adventuresci.com |
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800 Fort Negley Blvd. Nashville TN 37203 615-862-5160 www.adventuresci.com |
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Adventure Science Center 800 Fort Negley Blvd. |
 Press ReleaseAstro Blast Event Starts Countdown to New Sudekum Planetarium and Space ChaseEvent Launches Interactive, Online Contest in Anticipation of the June 28 Grand OpeningContact: Amy Y. Davidson Virginia Crowe - Adventure Science Center is counting down to the opening of Sudekum Planetarium and Space Chase, the new sky and space exhibit hall, with Astro Blast - a day-long event where kids can learn all about space, meet a real astronaut and register for the Race to Space Chase - a 12 week online scavenger hunt. During this event, visitors can start their ‘Nashtronaut’ training with a full day of interactive activities demonstrating the skills needed by astronauts working and traveling in space. Adventure Science Center’s twist on an astronaut, a ‘Nashtronaut’ is a combination of a Nashville cowboy and an astronaut. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn how gravity affects their movements and about the importance of the sense of smell for space travelers. In addition, visitors can work with a remote vehicle similar to the Mars Rover. ‘Nashtronaut’ training will continue for those who register for Race to Space Chase - an interactive online scavenger hunt that will challenge kids to complete weekly space missions. Visitors can register for the race during Astro Blast, or on a computer at the library, home or school. Each week, all participants that complete this mission will be eligible to win a prize. Participants who successfully complete all 12 missions will be entered into a drawing to win one of three grand prizes - a year-long pass to the all-new Sudekum Planetarium. “For years, kids across the region have loved coming to Adventure Science Center to learn about space,” said Becky Matthews, Senior Educator at the Science Center. “Astro Blast and Race to Space Chase will give kids a taste of what the new Sudekum Planetarium and Space Chase will offer, while allowing them to continue to learn about space in the weeks leading up to the opening.” Special Astro Blast guests include Dr. Rhea Seddon and Johnny Russell. Dr. Seddon, one of the first six women to enter the NASA Astronaut Program, will present her experiences in space and how aviation influenced her life. Seddon flew on three missions in space with a total time in space of 30 days. Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine named Seddon as a Laurel Legend in 2004 for her lifetime contribution to aviation. Johnny Russell, retired nuclear physicist for Boeing Company, will speak about engineering and developing air and space travel landmarks like the original Lunar Roving Vehicle. Russell and a team of engineers completed the Lunar Roving Vehicle or Moon Buggy in only 14 months after NASA made the assignment. The Vanderbilt Rocket team also will be on hand to describe their work with NASA and the United States Army. Adventure Science Center broke ground on the new Sudekum and Space Chase in January 2007 and will open its doors for exploration on June 28, 2008. The planetarium will feature state-of the-art technology including a full-dome digital projection system. The first floor for of the Space Chase wing includes two primary exhibit galleries - Solar System Survey and Test Bed. Solar System Survey invites visitors to explore the solar system with a 3D walk through the universe. The two-story high Test Bed will feature a Space Walker, which will allow visitors to feel like they are walking on the moon or other planets, and a Space Climber, which simulates the experience of astronauts working in space. Other exhibits include the Drop Tower and Trajectories. Astro Blast will take place from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. and is included in regular Adventure Science Center admission. For more information about Astro Blast, or the Race to Space Chase, please contact Katie Walker at (615) 401-5065. |