A chance to view the moon, nearby planets and deep space objects as they are observed by the Kanawha Valley Astronomical Society's 16-inch Newtonian reflector telescope, take part in Skype conversations with NASA scientists, view a static display of hang gliders and watch robotics teams demonstrate the capabilities of their handiwork takes place Saturday at Camp Virgil Tate.
"Let's Go to the Stars," a program sponsored by the Kanawha Valley Astronomical Society in association with the Kanawha County Public Library, Friends of the Library Foundation and Camp Virgil Tate, is part of an international day of astronomy, science and technology honoring the spirit of scientific exploration exhibited by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gargarin, the first human to travel in outer space. The Kanawha County event is one of 150 "Yuri's Night" programs taking place in coming days in 40 countries, plus South Pole Station in Antarctica.
Activities are scheduled to begin at about 6 p.m., last until 10 p.m., and include:
n A static display of amateur rockets presented by members of West Virginia SOAR, and a launching if weather permits.
n A display of hang gliders to which children will be able to attach themselves to get a feel for what flight with the glider might be like.
n Visiting the state Division of Air Quality's science trailer.
n Watching robots being demonstrated by members of several area robotics teams.
n Taking part in Skype question and answer sessions with Mark Kotche, a NASA scientist now working on the space agency's Deep Horizons mission to Pluto and the outer solar system, and Pranvera Hyseni, director of Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo.
n Participating in a star party that begins at dusk at the Breezy Point Observatory that includes viewing observations made by KVAS's 16-inch telescope.
