Space: the final frontier, full of galaxies far, far away that are billions and billions of years old. Looking up in wonder, gazing at the stars, makes us human beings long to imagine and explore what’s out there. Whether your amazement originates through Star Trek, Star Wars, Cosmos, sci-fi literature, science class, or looking up at the clear, star-studded Wyoming sky, the library has a treat for you!
Discover Space: A Cosmic Journey is coming to the Laramie County Library this winter! The exhibit will be here until March 27 you can journey through interactive digital components and panels full of space information with this traveling science museum. You’ll have three whole months to come and explore, but don’t wait until the last minute – when it’s gone, it’s gone and won’t be back! It will move on to the last of the nine U.S. libraries awarded hosting privileges. (Yes, YOUR library is one of a select group chosen through a very competitive application process!)
Do you remember all those solar eclipse glasses we sold at the library? (6,000 to be exact! Thank you!) The proceeds from the glasses allowed us to purchase a 10” Dobsonian telescope! Galileo Orion (we gave the telescope a name, and we call it “Leo” for short) will be rolled out for many programs for youth and adults, and Leo will also head out east in March for an event at the Pine Bluffs Branch Library.
One of the best ways for students to experience Discover Space is to bring your classroom or group of 10 people or more (homeschool, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, etc.) into the library for a guided tour. Fill out a tour request form here. Discover Space is designed to fulfill science subject standards and the exhibit’s creators, our friends at the Space Science Institute, have provided a nifty guide (available on the tour link) to help you prepare for the experience. We’ll also have exhibit maps available for self-guided tours.
This exhibit is a unique opportunity to visit a science museum without traveling. The Laramie County Library is honored to be the only library in the U.S. chosen to host three Discover exhibits: Discover Earth in 2012, Discover Tech in 2014, and now Discover Space! If you experienced the first two, then you know how awesome this exhibit will be! Don’t miss it!
Live long and prosper!
Discover Space Upcoming Programs:
Starry Night
Wednesday, February 7, 7 – 8:30 pm
We will explore the locations and tales of our most famous constellations (like the Big Dipper and Orion the Hunter) then be sure to bundle up as we head outside to find the stars that create these unique patterns! We may even spot a planet or two!
(Adults & Teens; Cottonwood Room)
Guerilla Science Mixer
Friday, February 9, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join Dr. Jana Grcevich and Olivia Koski, creators of the Intergalactic Travel Bureau and authors of Vacation Guide to the Solar System, for an evening of cocktails, mingling, and fun! Explore Discover Space when the library is closed (no kids!), and tap into the creativity of Guerilla Science. (Adults 21 & over; Cottonwood Room)
Young Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, February 10, 10am – 2pm
Join us for the third annual Young Writers’ Workshop featuring Dr. Jana Grcevich and Olivia Koski, authors of Vacation Guide to the Solar System. Learn about the craft of writing, tips and tricks of nonfiction writing , and even get started on your latest writing idea! Along with local authors, writers, and educators, enjoy breakout sessions, lunch, prize drawing, book signing, and more as we celebrate the Discover Space exhibit. This program is brought to you with collaboration from the Graham Parfitt Writing Project. (Grades 3 – 12; Cottonwood Room)
Pop-Up Planetarium
Sunday, February 11, 2 – 4 pm
Have you ever been to a planetarium? Today we bring the planetarium to you! Learn about stars and constellations from science teacher Tom Farrell. Learn about the interesting things out in space! (Children & Families; Cottonwood Room)
National Security and the Military Use of Space: The Air Force Journey
Monday, February 26, 6:30 – 8 pm
The national security of the United States (including successful combat operations anywhere and anytime) relies on space and cyberspace capabilities as never before. Air Force Space Command, building on 35 years of experience, continues to develop and operate the unique capabilities our nation requires to meet the threats and challenges facing our nation today and tomorrow. (Adults & Teens; Cottonwood Room)
Discover Space: A Cosmic Journey was developed by Space Science Institute’s National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) in partnership with the American Library Association’s Public Programs Office, the Lunar and Planetary Institute and the Afterschool Alliance. The project was made possible through support from the National Science Foundation.