This article was published on News-n-Views
“In my own view, the important achievement of Apollo was a demonstration that humanity is not forever chained to this planet, and our visions go rather further than that, and our opportunities are unlimited.”
Lance Armstrong spoke these words at a press conference in 1999 and express the most human fulfillment of willpower and dreams. It is your turn to experience the worlds beyond our own. On Saturday, March 20, blast off on an adventure of your own when the Mission Viejo Library hosts “Mission to the Planets.”
Guests of all ages have the opportunity to take a tour of the solar system starting with the star that breaths life into our world. Special solar telescopes give us the ability to see the sun in the vastness of space. Participants will also have a wide range of telescopes at their reach to view the planets that make up our neighborhood in the stars.
This is a two-part event with armature astronomers who will guide your viewing of the sky. During the day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. you will get hands-on activities to see sun flares and spots at the Kershaw Garden. From there the evening is filled with exciting planetary discoveries.
Beginning at 4 p.m., Richard Stembler, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, will speak to give visitors an overview of what they will be seeing on their observation. Mars and Saturn will be visible at night, with the rings of Saturn being of popular interest. When the sun sets on Mission Viejo the telescopes will be available for this planetary viewing from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
It’s been quite a while for all of us since we first studied the solar system in grade school. This is the perfect opportunity to jump back into planetary perfection. But if you or your kid needs a little brushing up on the fun facts before the event you can visit this interactive website for a simple and exciting short lesson of our space community.
Don’t miss your opportunity to go to infinity and beyond at the Mission Viejo Library and the Kershaw Gardens located at 100 Civic Center. For more information please contact the reference desk at 949.830.7100 at extension 5105.
