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What's Up at Chabot: Celebrating the International Year of Astronomy

Oakland Tribune June 12, 2009 | Robert Ade GET IN TOUCH WITH your solar system! Summer begins officially for us Northern Hemisphere-ans after the Summer Solstice on June 21. As the Earth makes its yearly trip around the sun, the northern half of the globe tilts toward the sun, giving us more daylight. site astronomy for kids

The approach of solstice means the International Year of Astronomy is flying by. Many events and activities continue during this yearlong celebration of astronomy. Chabot's expanded summer hours begin June 23.

A new, full-dome digital planetarium show celebrating the International Year of Astronomy makes its Chabot debut at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. "Two Small Pieces of Glass" is an informative history of the telescope -- my second favorite tool (after my Swiss Army knife.) The show takes you to a star party to discover different types of telescopes and points out some common targets to observe. It's an excellent introduction into astronomy for kids or adults.

The show is just one of many events offered Saturday.

Your little sprout will dig our new demonstration garden at Chabot. Kids Go Green activities show kids how to plant a seed then watch it grow. They'll discover the importance of soil and compost for a healthy garden and learn new gardening skills. Get an up close (or up gross) view of composting worms. Activities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are free with general admission. astronomyforkidsnow.net astronomy for kids

And join in the fun with longtime Bay Area children's music performer Gayle Schmitt and her band, the Toodala Ramblers. The show begins at 1:30 p.m. and is free with general admission. You won't be able to stay still as they play high energy, fun arrangements of traditional tunes along with Schmitt's award-winning originals.

Next week, spoil your dad on Father's Day -- Sunday, June 21. Treat him to a special brunch at Chabot's Celestial Cafe from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (special price for dads is only $8). He'll love the grilled tri-tip steak with Jack Daniels sauce, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies and a roll. After brunch, sign up for Chabot's Solar Car Challenge. Work together in teams to design, build and race Solar Lego cars. The production line begins rolling at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Solar Car Challenge is $5 plus general admission. Call 510- 336-7373 to register.

Did you hear that? It's whisperings of more Friday night adventure. Expand your universe from a different vantage point from 7 to 11 p.m. June 26 at 10000 (10000 is Chabot's address on Skyline Boulevard) for an evening of live music, celestial beverages, provocative science, films and fun. Tickets for 10000 are $20 for adults, $15 for students and only $8 for Chabot members. There's no other space like it around the Bay.

There's still time to sign up your future astronauts for Chabot's Summer Space Explorer Camps, which begin July 6. Chabot is also open July 4 until 10 p.m. to celebrate Independence Day. Visit www.chabotspace.org for more information on all the fun events at Chabot.

Robert Ade is the public relations specialist for the Chabot Space & Science Center. Reach him at 510-336-7310 or rade@chabotspace.org.

Robert Ade