Family Earth and Sky Night

Ruth Patrick Science Education Center hosts events for the whole family

Aiken, SC (05/10/2021) — Visit the Ruth Patrick Science Center (RPSEC) at the University of South Carolina Aiken on Saturday, May 15 for a fun filled evening as we celebrate Family Earth and Sky Night. Events include planetarium shows, hands-on activities, night-sky viewing, and viewing utilizing the Bechtel Telescope.

***Planetarium Shows: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 p.m. - Normal Rates***

6:00pm and 7:00pm - Magic Treehouse: Space Mission8:00pm - Seven Wonders9:00pm - To the Moon and Beyond

Availability and Pricing: Shows are available on a first come, first served basis. The admission fees are: Adults $6.50, Seniors $5.50, 4K-12 Grade $4.50, USCA Students & Faculty/Staff $2.00. Children under 4 are not admitted in the planetarium but are welcome at the other activities. Tickets are available during Earth & Sky Night. Reservations are not available for shows this evening. Limited Seating

***Hands-on Activities: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - FREE***

A variety of hands-on activities will be available from 6:00 - 9:00 to allow people to experience the wonders of earth and space science. Many activities will have materials you can take home with you to remember this wonderful night, and live animals will be on display, including snakes, turtles, alligators, and owls.

***Night-Sky Viewing: 8:30pm - 10:30 p.m. - FREE***

Members of the Astronomy Club of Augusta will host naked-eye, binocular, and telescope observing of the moon, planets, and stars this evening on the lawn. Bring a blanket, towel or reclining lounge chair! There will be opportunity to get comfortable and observe the night sky. People can stand or lie back and observe the stars appear as our patch of Earth turns away from the Sun.

Club members will have several telescopes set up on the RPSEC lawn. Take advantage of this opportunity to see sky objects, to gain an understanding about our night sky, and to learn about the models available for amateur astronomers. The Bechtel Telescope in the RPSEC Observatory will also be available for viewing the wonders of the sky. For safety, we will project the telescopic images to large screens.

Masks are required when inside the RPSEC, Planetarium and when outside if unable to social distance.

Sponsored by The Astronomy Club of Augusta, DuPont Planetarium, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, and University of South Carolina Aiken.

Weather: Family Earth and Sky Night will be held rain or shine.

For more information visit http://usca.edu/rpsec or call us at: 803-641-3313.