Space center lines up events

DOWNEY - The Columbia Memorial Space Center will host its "Saturday Science" workshop March 30 from 1-3 p.m. Guests will hear the latest results from the Kepler Space Telescope, what we know about planets outside of our solar system and the possibility of life outside of Earth.

"As we look out into the universe we're beginning to come to an understanding that not only are planets common, but Earth-like planets are common too," space center officials said.

On April 27, the space center will host the USA Science & Engineering Festival: Family Science Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guests can watch robotics competitions featuring Warren High students, participate in a robotics lab and experience all of the center's hands-on exhibits.

Tours of the space shuttle mock-up Inspiration will also be offered.

Meanwhile, teachers are invited to a free seminar April 20 offered by NASA and JPL.

Teachers can watch a showing of "Toys in Space II," taped during the flight of STS-54. The video shows astronauts on the space shuttle and students back on Earth co-investigating the behavior of toys in space.

Video segments show the toys' behavior in 1g (Earth's gravity) and then their behavior in the microgravity environment of space.

The seminar is free for teachers but registration is required by calling (562) 231-1200.

Admission for all other events is $5 (free for space center members).

For questions about any of the events, call (562) 231-1200 or go online to columbiaspacescience.org.

********** Published: March 7, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 47