This fun-filled event will give the general public the opportunity to view the sun and stars through telescopes, participate in space science demonstrations and see discounted astronomy presentations in the Hansen Dome Theatre. Most activities are complimentary and shows can be seen for as little as $1 per person. Please see the full schedule below for details.

In addition to the many planned activities, Clark Planetarium will be giving away a Celestron 50th Anniversary FirstScope with a chance to win a NexStar 6SE grand prize, courtesy of Celestron Telescopes. Astronomy magazine has also donated complimentary magazine issues that will be available to those who attend, while supplies last.

So mark your calendars and come help us celebrate the passion for the cosmos at Astronomy Day 2010!

Astronomy Day Schedule

SLAS Activity:

10 am – 12 pm  Sun Party at Winchester Park (6400 S. 1100 W.)

Clark Planetarium Activities:

Showtimes listed below feature $1 ticket pricing at the ticket window.

12:30 pm               Attack of the Space Pirates

1:30 pm                ”Universe for Newbies” Lecture by Clark Planetarium Director, Seth Jarvis

2:30 pm                Ultimate Universe

3:30 pm               Black Holes

4:30 pm               “Nighttime Observing Techniques” Lecture by Clark Planetarium Programs Manager, Mike Murray

1 pm – 5 p.m.    Complimentary activities and science demonstrations in the lobby of Clark Planetarium

University of Utah Observatory Activities:

5:30 – Dusk         Solar Observing at the South Physics Observatory (125 S. 1400 E.)

Dusk – 11 p.m.    First Light Star Party – weather permitting. Bring your own telescope or look through one of ours.

10. Free exhibits: With over 10,000 sq. ft. of exhibits to explore, this is a great no cost activity that can easily entertain visitors for a couple of hours.

9. Summer Camp: Back by popular demand, the “How to Build and Use a Telescope Camp” is a 3 day intensive 3-day astronomy camp for kids ages 12 – 17 that includes lots of hands-on instruction and a 6-inch Dobsonian telescope.

8. Matinee Theatre Tickets: All shows in the ATK IMAX and Hansen Dome Theater are just $6 before 5 p.m. every day. A complete list of show times is available here.

7. Rockets!: Planet Fun Clark Planetarium Store has  a wide variety of engine, chemical reaction and air powered rockets. Summer is a great time for building rockets and then getting a group together to launch them to see who’s will fly the farthest.

6. Star Parties: Our friends at the Salt Lake Astronomical Society have free public star parties on a regular basis. A complete schedule is available on the club’s website.

5. Connect Pass: If you are looking to experience a multitude of venues over a period of up to three days, the “Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass” allows you to visit Clark Planetarium and 12 other area venues for $40 for adults and $32 for children.

4. Bug Catchers: Explore the wonders of your backyard and beyond while collecting bugs. Planet Fun has a wide array of butterfly pavilions, beetle barns and other bug catching containers.

3. Build your own planisphere: Download materials from the planetarium’s website to help find constellations in the nighttime sky.

2. Cosmic Light Shows: Cheaper than a concert and a great activity for date night, Cosmic Light Shows (complete with lasers and other special effects) play nightly in the Hansen Dome Theatre and feature artists like U2 and Pink Floyd.

1. Memberships: The best value for those who like to visit Clark Planetarium on a regular basis. Members get in to all IMAX and Dome theatre shows free for one year plus great discounts at Planet Fun, concessions and more.