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Exhibit opening, free programs

Traveling astronomy exhibit to open; free programs scheduled

“Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery” will be on display at Grissom Library Nov. 29 to Feb. 15, 2012, and will open with special events beginning at 6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Grissom Library. Other free programs also are planned.

This image of the planet Saturn shows the banded structure of its deep gaseous atmosphere. Credit: Hubble Space Telescope, NASA

Free opportunities for family fun and learning about astronomy begin Nov. 29 with the opening of a new traveling exhibit and special programs at Virgil I. Grissom Library. The exhibit, “Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery,” celebrates Galileo Galilei first peering into the cosmos using an astronomical telescope and how astronomy has evolved over the 400 years since then.

The exhibit will be on display at Grissom Library Nov. 29 to Feb. 15, 2012. The exhibit opening, beginning at 6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Grissom Library includes the opportunity to view the night sky through a telescope; a ribbon-cutting by Newport News Mayor McKinley L. Price; the unveiling of a new display about Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, for whom the Library is named; exhibit introduction and tour with NASA speaker and astronomy teacher Ron Shaneyfelt; laptop computers available for viewing the Hubble, NASA and other websites; and a reception sponsored by the Friends of the Newport News Public Library. All programs are free and open to the public.

Other free programs are planned throughout the time the exhibit will be at Grissom Library. See below for a full list of programs.

The exhibit uses historical drawings and diagrams made by Galileo and other early astronomers, along with dramatic contemporary images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and other space missions, to show how our views and understanding of the universe and the objects within it have changed over the centuries.

“Visions of the Universe” is presented by the Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Maryland; the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and the American Library Association, Chicago, through funding from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Part of the Newport News Public Library System, Grissom Library is located at 366 DeShazor Drive, Newport News, VA 23608. Call 757-369-3190 or visit www.nngov.com/library for more information about events, which are all free and open to the public.

Visions of the Universe Program Schedule

Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery Exhibit Opening
Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery will open with special events, 6:30-9 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Grissom Library. Lawrence Taylor, a member of the Peninsula Astronomy Club and NASA employee, will help guests view the night sky with his telescope before entering the Library, 6:30-7 p.m.; opening welcome from Library Director Izabela Cieszynski,7 p.m.; Newport News Mayor McKinley L. Price will cut the ribbon for the exhibit; Vice Mayor Madeline McMillan will unveil the new display on Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom; NASA speaker and astronomy teacher Ron Shaneyfelt will discuss the exhibit and answer questions; laptop computers will be available for children to explore the NASA, Hubble and Amazing Kids web sites; and an reception provided by the Friends of the Newport News Public Library. No registration required. FREE. Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Drive, Newport News, VA 23608, www.nngov.com/library, 757-369-3190.

Visions of the Universe: Space Lego Party for Families
As part of the Visions of the Universe exhibit, families will work together to build a "space" creation with Lego building blocks for a chance to win prizes, 3-4:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at Grissom Library. Registration is required and begins Nov. 26 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190. FREE. Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Drive, Newport News, VA 23608, www.nngov.com/library, 757-369-3190.

Visions of the Universe: Family Movie
As part of the Visions of the Universe exhibit, families are invited to watch the movie “October Sky,” 3-5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 20, at Grissom Library. Free and open to the public. No registration required. FREE. Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Drive, Newport News, VA 23608, www.nngov.com/library, 757-369-3190.

Visions of the Universe: Astronomy Night
Children and teens ages 5-14 can view the night sky through telescopes and participate in telescope demonstrations, crafts and activities, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 12, at Grissom Library. Presented by astronomers from the Virginia Living Museum, the event also includes free giveaways. Registration is required online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Grissom Library at 757-369-3190. FREE. Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Drive, Newport News, VA 23608, www.nngov.com/library, 757-369-3190.

Visions of the Universe: Explore the Universe Game Day
NASA educators will conduct a variety of games that will help youth from kindergarten through eighth grade explore the universe with images from the Hubble telescope, 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, at Grissom Library. Galileo may appear, too. FREE. Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Drive, Newport News, VA 23608, www.nngov.com/library, 757-369-3190.

Visions of the Universe: Making a Telescope
Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can learn about and assemble their own telescope to take home, 1-2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at Grissom Library. All supplies provided. Register online or call Grissom Library. FREE. Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Drive, Newport News, VA 23608, www.nngov.com/library, 757-369-3190.

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