While the Chabot Space and Science Center always has exciting things for nearby Oakland and Piedmont residents, these next few weeks promise more excitement as the Center prepares for the projected arrival of Comet ISON which is expected to trek around our sun in the near future. No matter what their age, children can be involved in learning about world of science and space. Events include:
1. TYKE EXPLORER PROGRAM-Designed for 3-5 year olds, these Tuesday night presentations involve lessons from instructors, self-guided learning and hands on experimentation. Advance registration is required, and this month's theme is "Flying Through Space". There are three program presentation times scheduled each Tuesday to meet the needs of the little ones. Tuesday, November 5th, is entitled "Asteroids", and anwers questions about their origin, shapes, and where they might come from. Tuesday, November 12th focuses on "Meteors", and teaches all about them, plus how to tell the difference between earth rocks and meteor, and promises that the tykes that they will "take part in a meteor shower". The November 19th program focuses, in honor of Comet ISON, on "Comets". They will be encouraged to make a model of a comet to learn all about them, and help make craters on the surface of an "asteroid" to learn how they got all of their craters.
2. FAMILY HIKE-Friday, November 8th (5p.m. to 7p.m.)-This very popular event presents family hikers with a stroll through the redwoods for 3-4 miles from "twilight to moonlight", and then a return to view the sky they have just seen through the Chabot telescope, finishing with a tour of the Telescope Makers Workshop. Space is limited, so register early on line or call the center.
3. DAWN STAR STORIES--(4:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.)-This is scheduled  at this very early hour in celebration of the early morning Comet ISON. Participants are invited to bring warm clothes, sleeping bags, etc.. to listen to a expert presentation of the mythology behind the many constellations seen in the sky each night, and look for the rare comet as it passes across the morning sky.Â
If your family has never had an interest in astronomy, this would be the time to spark this interest. The web site for the Center is:
                            http://www.chabotspace.org/events.htm
Posted by Bruce Wagg on
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