Cosmosphere

Apollo 13 Command Module

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:40:00 +0000

Part of the glass protecting the Apollo 13 Command Module was removed today so NBC can get some footage.

While it was down, the guys from the Cosmosphere's restoration department, Spaceworks, took a close look. They're building a replica for another museum and took this opportunity for a peek.

Obviously, when the glass is down, the public can't get close to it. Collections people oversee the whole process. After all, it's a one of a kind artifact.

James Oberg a Hit During Coffee at the Cosmo

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:24:00 +0000

James Oberg spoke to a record crowd during Coffee at the Cosmo on March 18. Oberg is the NBC News Space Consultant and formerly worked with NASA. He has written 12 books and more than 2000 articles about space.

The next Coffee at the Cosmo is April 15 at 9 a.m. and it's "You Rock My World: Lunar Sample Collection and Transfer." Coffee and pastries are served, and the event is all free.

FATP 25th Anniversary at the Cosmosphere July 2010

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:42:00 +0000

FATP 25th Anniversary Camp Reunion

July 30 - August 1, 2010

It was 1985 when FATP first started. Celebrate 25 years at the Cosmosphere this summer!

Register online at http://www.cosmo.org/25fatp/.

You’ll get to reconnect with friends from your camp and meet others who’ve shared this experience. The weekend has opportunities for simulators, rockets, reminiscing and making new memories.

Everyone will have the chance to visit the Cosmosphere, see shows, launch rockets, and relive the experience of camp at whatever level you want. You can tailor the experience to suit yourself!

A limited number of people will be able to do a one-day camp that will include rotations on all the simulators and a visit to Spaceworks, our space artifact restoration and replication facility.

THE CAMP PACKAGE

Friday night meet and greet and a mini-camp on Saturday with a full set of rotations ending with a mission and including your photo, shows, and special events for reunion goers. A behind the scenes tour of the Cosmosphere Collection and a visit to Spaceworks. (The camp, and visit to Spaceworks, are only available through this package.) Sunday morning rocket launch with continental breakfast onsite. (Lodging and travel not included)

Cost: $250

TAILOR YOUR REUNION EXPERIENCE

Friday, July 30, 2010

6 p.m. -11 p.m. Meet and Greet

Revisit your old stomping grounds. Snacks, a cash bar and an opportunity to experience the simulators again

Cost: Meet and Greet Only: $20 / Meet and Greet and Simulators: $35

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Full day of access to the Cosmosphere, shows, and special reunion events; a behind the scenes tour of the Cosmosphere collection; dinner that evening.

Cost: $75

Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010

8 a.m. Rocket launch and continental breakfast onsite

Cost: $20 (price includes cost of rocket)

Register now at http://www.cosmo.org/25fatp/.

Some Contortion Required - Setting up the Apollo 13 Special Exhibit

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:48:00 +0000

The Cosmosphere collections department installed the Apollo 13 special exhibit Friday afternoon. Contortions were required as you can see here as Meredith Miller works to set up an informational piece, while Amanda Bailey helps direct the placement.

April marks the 40th anniversary of the historic mission.

Trivia Contest Winner

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:54:00 +0000

Congratulations to Bob Casselman of Wichita, who won the trivia contest in our last newsletter. The question was: Which Apollo mission gathered the moon rock on display at the Cosmosphere. The correct answer is Apollo 11. His prize is already on its way to him. Be looking for more trivia questions in future newslettters.

If you're not on the email newsletter list and would like to be, you can sign up here.

Hubble in Imax at Carey IMAX® Dome Theater

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:03:00 +0000

For nearly 20 years, the Hubble Space Telescope has dazzled us with unprecedented views of the cosmos—from the splendor of our celestial neighborhood to galaxies billions of light years away. Now on March 19 at the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater audiences will blast off alongside the Atlantis STS-125 crew, witness up-close some of the most challenging spacewalks ever performed, and experience firsthand Hubble’s awe-inspiring imagery, from the heart of the Orion Nebula and our Milky Way to the edge of the observable universe. Recounting the amazing journey of the most important scientific instrument since Galileo’s original telescope, Hubble will immerse moviegoers in the great wonders and astounding beauty of our universe.

It will show at the Cosmosphere beginning March 19:
Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.;
Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Sunday at 1 p.m., 2 p.m.,3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m.

"It’s been said that The IMAX Experience® is the next best thing to being in space, and with IMAX, the audience really is there,” said Producer/Director Toni Myers. “Fifteen years ago we made a film about space exploration that included Hubble, when it started sending back the first images. Today, we have Hubble’s entire phenomenal legacy of data to explore. With IMAX, we can transport people to galaxies that are 13 billion light years away—back to the edge of time. Real star travel is here at last.”

Through the power of IMAX, Hubble will enable moviegoers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt some of the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. The film will offer an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy and highlight its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves.

Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, Hubble is rated G and is 43 minutes long.

Apollo 13 Anniversary Events at the Cosmosphere

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:39:00 +0000

"APOLLO 13" THE MOVIE
FRIDAY, APRIL 16 4:00 P.M.
SATURDAY, APRIL 17 11:00 A.M. & 1:00 P.M.

The Cosmosphere's anniversary celebration will begin April 16 with showings of Ron Howard's Oscar-winning movie Apollo 13 Friday and Saturday in the Carey IMAX Dome Theater at the Cosmosphere. Tickets are $9.50/Adults, $9.00/Children (plus tax)

"THE WONDER OF IT ALL"
FRIDAY, APRIL 16 7:00 P.M.

Join us Friday in the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater for a viewing of "The Wonder of It All," a documentary by Jeff Roth detailing the manned spaceflight program from the early missions through the Apollo era. Mr. Roth will answer questions afterward. Tickets are $6.00

FREE SATURN V ROCKET LAUNCH
SATURDAY, APRIL 17 9:00 A.M.

Relive the liftoff of Apollo 13 as you watch the launch of a scale model of the Saturn V and hear the actual audio footage of pre- and post-launching activities. Free event (weather permitting) at Gowans Stadium.

APOLLO 13 MISSION CONTROL LIVE PRESENTATION AT THE HUTCHINSON SPORTS ARENA SATURDAY, APRIL 17 10:00 A.M.

Come and experience a panel discussion moderated by noted space author Andrew Chaikin with many of the famed Apollo 13 Mission Control staff including Flight Directors Gene Kranz, Milton (Milt) Windler, Gerry Griffin, Ed Fendell (INST/COMM), Jerry Bostick (FIDO), Sy Liebergot (CSM/EECOM), Astronaut CapComs Jack Lousma and Joe Kerwin, and Guenter Wendt (Pad Leader).

Admission to this event will be $5 for adults and $2 for children under 13.
Tickets will be sold at the door the day of the presentation or you may call the Cosmosphere at 662.2305 or 800.397.0330 to order your tickets now.

After the panel discussion, we will be holding a special autograph session for our Premium and Corporate Members. If you are interested in upgrading to a Premium Membership or becoming a Corporate Member, please contact Patti Ferguson at 620.665.9310. There are only 100 tickets remaining for the autograph session. Only items purchased from our on-site gift store will be signed by the VIPs during this event.

NASA Education Specialist Presents Cosmosphere Teacher Workshop

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:12:00 +0000

Mike McGlone, a NASA education specialist, will present a Teacher Workshop at the Cosmosphere on April 19 and 20. McGlone will focus on the Hubble Telescope, which was deployed 20 years ago. Cost is only $25 for Kansas teachers. This is an extraordinary opportunity to learn material that can be taken back to the classroom right away. It's geared for K-12 teachers. Register by calling Laurie at 620-662-2305 or 1-800-397-0330, ext. 323. Graduate credit is available.

The presentation will touch on multiple aspects of telescopes, astronomy and the Hubble in particular. He will discuss the history of telescopes and how they work, the electromagnetic specturm, how distance is measured and how the Hubble is used to classify galaxies. He will also talk about the challenges in servicing the Hubble, including the space environment, spacesuits and spacewalks.

The Hubble was deployed on April 25, 1990, during the STS-31 mission. It is the only space telescope designed to be serviced in space, and that became necessary almost immediately when it was discovered the main mirror had been ground incorrectly. A mission in 1993 fixed the problem, giving it the intended quality. It takes extremely sharp images, which have changed our understanding of the universe. Many Hubble observations have led to breakthroughs in astrophysics, such as accurately determining the rate of expansion of the universe. Hubble's final servicing mission was completed in 2009. It is expected to function until at least 2014 when another space telecope is scheduled to launch.

McGlone is a former Kansas teacher, and says that experience means he knows what teachers are looking for. He says the Hubble is a great example that can be used in the classroom. "Basic science and math principles are what make Hubble work. It gives kids a way to relate," he says, and "the images have an impact." He says NASA surveys show people connect to missions because of the Hubble images.

He says there's a way to address the Kansas standards, and still have fun, and that's what he wants to do. McGlone has a long term interest in sceince, starting with his earliest days playing with a chemistry set. His dad worked as a geologist, so they spent family vacations "looking at rocks" and going to science museums. He says he's still looking at rocks, just different ones now.

McGlone has been working at NASA for six years now and says this position as an education specialist has brought his broad interests in multiple areas together. He spends 50% of his time on the road, travelling eight states, teaching teachers. The Cosmosphere is thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to Kansas teachers.

James Oberg Speaks at Coffee at the Cosmo March 18

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:50:00 +0000

Coffee at the Cosmo on Thursday, March 18, will be presented by James Oberg, a former NASA contractor and NBC News Space Consultant. It is at 9 a.m. at the Cosmosphere and is free and open to the public.

Oberg is considered one of the world's leading authorities on Russian and Chinese space initiatives and exploration. He has written 12 books and more than 2,000 magazine and newspaper articles about different aspects of space flight. He has testified multiple times before Congress, and served as an on-air space expert for ABC News, CNN, Discovery Canada, the BBC, and other media outlets. He has been the NBC News Space Consultant since 2003.

Oberg's presentation is part of the ongoing Coffee at the Cosmo series. Coffee at the Cosmo is the third Thursday of every month at 9 a.m. and is always free. Enjoy coffee and pastries, meet new friends, and learn something new.

Oberg interprets space achievements as manifestations of human ingenuity and creativity. During his career, he has theorized about the future development of space technology, and how knowledge gained from space exploration can be used to protect Earth's biosphere. Oberg led the design of the initial orbit of the International Space Station.

Barry Asmus Visits Cosmosphere

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:43:00 +0000

Dr. Barry Asmus spoke at the Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on February 1. Earlier in the day he visited the Cosmosphere and had glowing things to say about his experiences during the presentation. He was very impressed by the Cosmosphere's collection.

Apollo Command Module Trainer

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:43:00 +0000

The Apollo Command Module simulator that has been in the Cosmosphere's Education department, and used for FATP and other camps, was dismantled today and taken to Space Works for a project.

Restoration and Collections folks were poring over the details before it left the building.

This was a trainer used by NASA, and a few parts of it are things that could have been taken out of the trainer, and put on to a mission. One of those parts was the three seats.

Another are these struts. The four on the right are "real" and the two on the left are ones fabricated here.

Camp is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer with a big reunion and many of the former campers who will be returning to the Cosmosphere July 30-Aug. 1 for the reunion will remember this trainer. Needless to say, it looked a little different today.

If you, or someone you know, is a former camper, please send your updated contact information to patsyt@cosmo.org so we can send you details about the reunion this summer.

Extreme at Carey IMAX Dome Theatre at Cosmosphere

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:16:00 +0000

The IMAX Movie, “Extreme,” is opening at the Cosmosphere on Friday, January 15. It captures some of the best athletes in the world as they challenge the most intimidating forces of nature. It plays every day in the Cosmosphere’s Carey Imax Dome Theatre at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with additional showings on Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m.

Skiing on perilous mountain peaks; snowboarding through untouched powder fields; climbing up frozen waterfalls; scaling magnificent red-rock spires; surfing some of the largest waves ever; and windsurfing behind El Nino strength winds, this film takes audiences on an unimaginable adventure.

Extreme shares firsthand an understanding of those who have made their passion a lifestyle and provides a unique glimpse into the relationship between nature and humanity - of an earth at its most surreal and athletes who continuously strive to feel her magnanimous, powerful shapes. Powerful music and heartfelt narration by the athletes themselves complement once-in-a-lifetime footage to put the audience on the edge of their seats.

Vikings: Journey to New Worlds at Carey IMAX Dome Theatre

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:14:00 +0000

Never before seen at the Cosmosphere, "Vikings: Journey to New Worlds" is now playing at the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater. It shows Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Cosmosphere member showings are scheduled for January 22, 23 and 24.

While popular and intriguing characters in world history, Vikings are also greatly misunderstood. "Vikings: Journey to New Worlds" provides a comprehensive portrait of the Vikings, exploring their historical and cultural impact as well as their technological and scientific achievements, and in the process takes audiences on a cinematic adventure through the lands they settled and explored.

The dawn of the Viking Age was a raid on an English monastery in the year 793 A.D. that established their reputation as marauding heathens from the North. But it was shipbuilding skills that truly set the Vikings apart.

Propelled by their wondrous ships, the Vikings stormed across Europe and the North Atlantic. Following the North Atlantic Sagas, we sail with Erik the Red from Iceland to Greenland and then with his son, Leif Eriksson, to North America, where he landed 500 years before Columbus.

Creative Folding

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:08:00 +0000

Each month folks who come to the Cosmosphere can enter a drawing for some cool prize. Last month's drawing included some creative folding. If we had a prize for folding, these would definitely be winners.

Free Train Display at Cosmosphere today by Wichita Toy Train Club

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:46:00 +0000

The Wichita Toy Train Club is at the Cosmophere today with a free display. They are setting up to run trains from noon to 6 this afternoon. It's going to be very cool, as you can see from this photo of set up earlier this morning.

Come to the Cosmosphere and join in this holiday tradition. It's free. You can't beat that!

Cosmosphere featured on AT&T Real Yellow Pages

noreply@blogger.com (Cosmosphere Blog) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:01:00 +0000

The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is featured on the cover of the new AT&T Real Yellow Pages directory serving the Hutchinson area. The cover was unveiled during a press conference Wed., Dec. 9, at 2 p.m., in the Discovery Room at the Cosmosphere.

"We're thrilled the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is featured on the new directory cover," said Marisa Honomichl, vice president for marketing and development at the Cosmosphere. "This means that for the next year, this wonderful facility with all it has to offer will be front and center anytime someone uses a directory, reminding residents and visitors about the museum and planetarium."

More than 58,000 copies of the directory have been produced for distribution in the Hutchinson area this year.

"We are proud to feature the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center on the cover of our new AT&T Real Yellow Pages directory for the Hutchinson area," said Patsy Weiser, area market manager, AT&T Advertising Solutions. "We continually work to make our directory covers special on the outside, and tailor the community information inside our directories to best meet the needs of local residents and businesses."

The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is one of the most comprehensive space museums in the world and one of the leading educational tourist attractions in the United States. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patrons' knowledge of space exploration.

Educating people from around the globe, the Cosmosphere boasts the Hall of Space museum, one of the most significant collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world; the Justice Planetarium, a dome-shaped classroom where attendees learn about astronomy; Dr. Goddard's Lab, a live demonstration of early rocket technology; and the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater, the 12th IMAX® theater built in the world.

The Cosmosphere is well known for its camp programs, offering students an opportunity to train like astronauts. Camps for students from second grade on up are offered. The Cosmosphere education programs focus on building leadership skills, encouraging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, and creative thinking.

For more information visit www.cosmo.org.

Teachers' Night Out Big Success

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:26:00 +0000

The Fifth Annual Teachers' Night Out at the Cosmosphere was a huge success. About 500 teachers from all over the state came to the event. More than 25 vendors had displays, there was free food and drink, and presentations throughout the evening.

Mark your calendar for November 12, 2010!

Teachers' Night Out at the Cosmosphere

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:02:00 +0000

The Cosmosphere is inviting all teachers - all subjects and grade levels (including college!) - to Teachers' Night Out on November 20 at the Cosmosphere. We'll start at 4 p.m. and go until about 9:30. Free food and adult beverages, vendors, presentations, free movies in the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater, and drawings all night. Make your reservations with Laurie at laurieg@cosmo.org.

Help us spread the word by printing a flyer like you see below and posting it at your school.

Colorado Pilots Association Visits Cosmosphere

patsyterrell@gmail.com (Patsy Terrell) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:02:00 +0000

The Colorado Pilots Association visited the Cosmosphere recently and wrote a great piece about their visit here and to the Kansas Underground Salt Museum. Check out their photos and story at http://www.flyingontop.com/cosmo.htm.

If it makes you want to experience your own adventure, call Laurie Givan at the Cosmosphere 620-662-2305, ext. 323.

Gong Bath on October 24 at Cosmosphere

noreply@blogger.com (Cosmosphere Blog) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:26:00 +0000

On Saturday, October 24, “the gong lady” from Wichita, deBorah Gray, will offer a gong bath at the Cosmosphere. She uses the gongs in her massage therapy business and travels with them only a couple of times a year. This is the first time a gong bath has been offered in Hutchinson. It will be from 4-6 p.m. Arrive by 3:30 for the gong bath.

She will be bringing a dozen gongs, ranging in size from 36 inches to 22 inches. Each gong is embellished with the glyph of the planet who’s orbital frequency it represents. They are played by being lightly touched with a felt hammer.

The gongs are from Germany, and tuned to planetary frequencies. She will play for more than an hour. You’ll be able to hear – and feel – the vibrations as they build on each other. You’re invited to bring something to lie on, a pillow, and a blanket for warmth, and experience a gong bath.

In some cultures, gongs were an essential part of daily living, and are still used in certain areas. The making of gongs was veiled in secrecy. The Gong Bath is used throughout Europe as a form of meditation to help the mind focus and relax. Come enjoy this unique experience for yourself at the Cosmosphere!

The cost is $25 per person and space is limited. Contact the Cosmosphere at 620-662-2305 to reserve your spot.

Former SR-71 Pilot Buz Carpenter Spoke to Packed Crowds

noreply@blogger.com (Cosmosphere Blog) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:53:00 +0000

Former SR-71 pilot, "Buz" Carpenter, who flew the “Blackbird” in the Cosmosphere’s lobby, spoke to packed crowds on September 5 and 6. He did three public presentations, visiting with people and signing autographs afterwards. He also provided a training for Cosmosphere volunteers.

More than 500 people came to hear his stories about the famous plane. He shared photographs and gave people an insider’s perspective on the “Blackbird.”

Only 32 Blackbirds were ever made, and they were in service from 1964-1998. Despite many attempts to shoot them down, none of the planes were lost due to enemy fire. However, 12 of them were destroyed in accidents. The plane was designed to be one of the first planes not detectable by radar. Unfortunately, radar technology was advancing at a rate that outpaced that particular design feature.

The great defensive ability of the plane was its high speed and altitude. Standard evasive action was just to accelerate, which made it almost invulnerable to the attack technologies of the time. The top speed of the plane was mach 3.3 (2,200 miles/hour or 36 miles/minute). In 1990, during a speed test, an SR-71 flew from LA to Dulles Airport in 64 minutes. They flew faster than a bullet from a standard 30.06 hunting rifle.

The SR-71 was American's first "stealth" plane, and was the last one designed with a slide rule. At cruising speeds, the aircraft skin reached average temperatures of about 600F. This caused the aircraft to grow 3-4 inches in length and 1-2 inches in width. The engine area was 3400F, with the coolest parts of the plane being about 450F. The 2.0 inch thick laminated quartz glass pilot window was 620F.

Pilots wore pressure suits derived from the Gemini designs through the mid 70s. The replacement pressure suit in the late 70s served as the initial Space Shuttle suits for test flights.

The Blackbird generally leveled off around 75,000 feet, and as fuel burned off would climb up around 82-85,000 feet. At 80,000 feet, you can see the curvature of the Earth about 350 miles in all directions.

Carpenter accrued 777 hours flying SR-71 planes. He flew Blackbirds as an aircraft commander and later as an instructor pilot, with over 60 operational missions. He also flew in the C-141, RF-4C, and T-38 planes, flying 150 combat hours in Vietnam. He worked in the Pentagon and served as Wing commander at Ramstein Air Base in German during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

He retired as a Colonel after serving as the 2nd Air Force Vice Commander, responsible for all the USAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance flying assets. He is currently a docent for the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, Udvar Hazy Center.

Cosmosphere Participates in Smithsonian Museum Day on September 26

noreply@blogger.com (Cosmosphere Blog) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:06:00 +0000

The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is participating in the fifth annual Smithsonian Museum Day on Saturday, September 26, 2009. Visitors with a Smithsonian pass will be admitted free to the museum that day. The Cosmosphere is the only Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Kansas.

A celebration of culture, learning and the dissemination of knowledge, Museum Day reflects the spirit of Smithsonian magazine, and emulates the free-admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution's Washington, DC-based properties. Doors will be open free of charge to Smithsonian magazine readers
and smithsonian.com visitors at museums and cultural institutions nationwide.

Cosmosphere President and CEO, Chris Orwoll, says, "The Cosmosphere has been proud to work closely with the Smithsonian Institution and its National Air and Space Museum for over two decades now. This year, as we do every year, we look forward to welcoming participants in Museum Day to the Cosmosphere. This is a great event that encourages people all over the country to visit their local museums and appreciate our rich cultural heritage."

Last year, about 200,000 people attended Museum Day, with all 50 states plus Puerto Rico represented by over 900 participating museums, including 84 Smithsonian affiliate museums. This year, the magazine expects to attract over 1,000 museums. Twenty-five museums in Kansas have already agreed to participate.

Visitors can download Museum Day Admission cards at www.smithsonian.com/museumday. Attendees must present the Museum Day Admission Card to gain free entry to participating institutions. Each card provides museum access for two people, and one admission card is permitted per household. Listings and links to participating museums can also be found at the link above.

Founded in 1970 with the launch of Smithsonian magazine, Smithsonian media—comprising Smithsonian magazine, Air & Space, goSmithsonian, Smithsonian Publishing Digital Network, Smithsonian Books and advertising for Smithsonian Channel—allows the intellectually curious to indulge and engage their passions for history, the arts, science, the natural world, culture and travel. Smithsonian Media's flagship publication, Smithsonian magazine, has a circulation of more than two million. This multimedia network is also affiliated with the world's most visited museum and research complexes at the Smithsonian Institution. For more information, visit www.smithsonian.com, and www.gosmithsonian.com.

The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patrons' knowledge of space exploration. Educating people from around the globe, the Cosmosphere boasts the Hall of Space museum, one of the most significant collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world; the Justice Planetarium, a dome-shaped classroom where attendees learn about astronomy; Dr. Goddard's Lab, a live demonstration of early rocket technology; the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater, the 12^th IMAX® theater built in the world; and summer astronaut training camps. For more information visit www.cosmo.org.

Forces of Nature at Carey IMAX® Dome Theater

noreply@blogger.com (Cosmosphere Blog) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:01:00 +0000

"Forces of Nature" is playing in the Cosmosphere's Carey IMAX® Dome Theater. The movie, which brings the power of earthquakes, volcanoes and tornadoes to the giant screen, took ten years to film. It is showing every day at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with additional showings at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Also showing in the Carey IMAX® Dome Theater is "Greece: Secrets of the Past."

"Forces of Nature" is narrated by Kevin Bacon, and captures the volatility of natural disasters on Earth, while showcasing three scientists who study them. Their hope is to understand the origins and behaviors of these events to improve our odds of surviving them.

Director George Casey said, "Mother Nature is the most temperamental screen diva a director can work with, and our team was at her mercy. Getting a tornado on film – let alone on 70 mm film – is nearly impossible. It's sort of the 'holy grail' of large-format filmmaking. In the end we got several twisters on camera, as well as spectacular eruptions of the volcano on Montserrat Island. Being in the right place at the right time was critical, and it is also why a project like this was more than ten years in the making. You simply can't turn to a storm and yell, 'And… action!' and get the shot you want."

Some of these natural phenomena are more common than we like to think, and more destructive than we realize. For example, there are nearly a half-million earthquakes each year, and only four states – Florida, Iowa, North Dakota and Wisconsin – had no detectable earthquakes between 1975 and 1995. Alaska is the most seismically active state overall. The largest quake in recorded history shook Chile in 1960 with a magnitude of 9.5 on the Richter scale.

The most destructive tornado on record was in 1925. It went through three U.S. states, destroying four towns and taking 695 lives. The Hallam, Neb., tornado of May 22, 2004 peaked at a width of 2 ½ miles, making it the widest ever recorded. Despite better storm warnings, tornadoes still kill an average of 60 people a year in the United States.

Alaska was the site of the largest volcanic eruption in modern times. In June of 1912, at Novarupta, 3.6 cubic miles of magma exploded from the earth – 30 times the molten material that erupted from Mount St. Helens in 1980.

"Forces of Nature" and "Greece: Secrets of the Past" are both showing each day at the Cosmosphere. Call 800-397-0330 for show times or check www.cosmo.org.

Mythology Teacher Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Cosmosphere Blog) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:10:00 +0000

Hello, this is Demetree Gaines at the Cosmosphere. Since I have taken over the duties of the teacher workshops hear at the Cosmosphere I have been asked by many teachers about Mythology and when could they expect a workshop about it. I didn't feel like I knew enough about mythology to create a full workshop about the subject, so I enlisted the help of my office mate and local Astronomy expert, Brad Nuest. Together we have come up with a workshop so huge, so new, so fresh and exciting that we had to make it an overnight.

For the first time at the Cosmosphere, a teacher workshop will be an overnight adventure. We will offer continuing education credit from Friends and Emporia Universities, classroom materials, power points and activities that will keep us busy all night.

Having this workshop in the evening gives us a chance to do things that we normally don't have time for during a teacher workshop. One thing I'm excited about is the Make-it & Take-it activity. We will make a rocket launcher to go along with paper rockets. Paper rockets are really popular and the NASA rocket guide has wonderful lesson plans for them. I wish I could be in the classroom when you guys unveil some these things, because it is going to be awesome.

The second activity that I just have to mention is the Star Observation. We do these during our camps but this is the first time we've done it during a teacher's workshop. With the use of a telescope we will focus on the Moon, Jupiter and the constellations Sagittarius and Capricorn, which is a nice segue into Astronomy and Astrology, the other part of the workshop.

Because it's an overnight you will need to bring all the things that you need to function. When you sign-up you will get a list of things that you should and can bring. I will provide some additional evening activities because not everyone will be ready to bed down after the activities are done for the day. But for those of you who do want to rest there will be a separate area, so you can sleep while the other trouble makers have their run of the building.

I could fill up pages of why you should come and bring a friend. However, if you need one more, here it is. Were taking a completely different approach this time, normally we have pizza for dinner or order something from somewhere else. But this time you are getting a home cooked meal, made from scratch with love. And that's all I have to say about that.

So if you are interested, come and check it out. You can contact Laurie Given here at the Cosmosphere to register. (620-662-2305 ext. 323) Participants must register before or by September 28You will not be disappointed. Come and discover how fun our workshops can be.

SR-71 Blackbird Pilot at Cosmosphere This Weekend – Free Presentations

noreply@blogger.com (Cosmosphere Blog) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Visitors to the Cosmosphere are greeted by an SR-71 "Blackbird" hanging overhead in the lobby. On September 5 and 6, former SR-71 pilot, "Buz" Carpenter will be at the Cosmosphere to talk about the famous plane. Carpenter flew the Blackbird now housed at the Cosmosphere.

On Saturday, September 5 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sunday, September 6 at 2 p.m., Carpenter will offer a presentation that's free and open to the public, during which he will discuss the Blackbird and his experiences as a pilot. After Sunday's presentation at the Cosmosphere, Carpenter will act as docent, stationing himself near the SR-71 to talk with people about the plane and its features.

Carpenter accrued 777 hours flying SR-71 planes, including 961, which resides at the Cosmosphere. He flew Blackbirds as an aircraft commander and later as an instructor pilot, with over 60 operational missions. He also flew in the C-141, RF-4C, and T-38 planes, flying 150 combat hours in Vietnam. He worked in the Pentagon and served as Wing commander at Ramstein Air Base in German during OperationsDesert Shield and Desert Storm.

He retired as a Colonel after serving as the 2nd Air Force Vice Commander, responsible for all the USAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance flying assets. He is currently a docent for the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum.

Only 32 Blackbirds were ever made, and they were in service from 1964-1998. Despite over 4,000 attempts to shoot them down, none of the planes were lost due to enemy fire. However, 12 of them were destroyed in accidents.

The plane was designed to be one of the first planes not detectable by radar. Unfortunately, radar technology was advancing at a rate that outpaced that particular design feature.

The great defensive ability of the plane was its high speed and altitude. Standard evasive action was just to accelerate, which made it almost invulnerable to the attack technologies of the time.

The top speed of the plane was mach 3.3 (2,200 miles/hour or 26 miles/minute). In 1990, during a speed test, an SR-71 flew from LA to Dulles Airport in 64 minutes. They flew faster than a bullet from a standard 30.06 hunting rifle.

The SR-71 was American's first "stealth" plane, and was the last one designed with a slide rule. At cruising speeds, the aircraft skin reached average temperatures of about 600F. This caused the aircraft to grow 3-4 inches in length and 1-2 inches in width. The engine area was 3200F, with the coolest parts of the plane being about 450F. The 2.5 inch thick laminated quartz glass pilot window was 620F.

Pilots wore pressure suits derived from the Gemini designs through the mid 70s. The replacement pressure suit in the late 70s served as the initial Space Shuttle suits for test flights.

The Blackbird generally leveled off around 75,000 feet, and as fuel burned off would climb up around 82-85,000 feet. At 80,000 feet, you can see the curvature of the Earth about 500 miles in all directions.