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Space Fest: Life in Space, purple nebula overlaid with simple organisms
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Space Fest 2021: Friday

Friday | February 05, 2021 | 10:00 amSaturday | February 06, 2021 | 9:00 pm

Free

Join us for free activities throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, and one paid, ticketed event each day.

The Bell Museum’s annual Space Fest is moving online! Take an adventure from your own home as we explore astrobiology with the researchers and scientists who investigate life throughout the universe.

Join us as we examine Mars, learn more about missions searching for life, hear from NASA and UMN research teams, explore astronomy with historical characters, tour the universe with our planetarium educators, and demonstrate out-of-this-world arts & projects.

Space Fest is fun for all ages, with activities, videos, and talks for everyone in your family! Check out our main Space Fest page for full details.

Please note: Live programs will be broadcast from Facebook. When the program begins, it will automatically play from our Facebook Live page. You do NOT need to be logged in or have a Facebook account to view these programs.

Cover of kids' book, Life On MarsStory Time

11–11:15 am

Gather around for this special astronomy story time. Sarah Reimer, the Bell Museum youth and family programs manager, will be reading Life on Mars, by Jon Agee. Get ready to blast off and imagine what we might find in far away places! Best for kids ages 3–7 and their families.

microscopeAstrobiology Microscope Challenge

1–1:20 pm

It’s time for a special astrobiology version of our microscope challenge! We’ll be putting a secret creature under the microscope for everyone to see from home. What do you think it is? Bell Museum gallery programs assistant Adam Hartman will tell you all about it, while planetarium programs coordinator Sarah Komperud shares its special astro connections. Geared toward audience members of all ages!

SaturnMission to Search for Life

2:30–3 pm

We’re traveling to Saturn, and the mission is in your hands! We’ll learn more about this ringed gas giant and its many satellites as you help us determine the best places to explore. What do you think are the conditions to support life?

Special guest Paul Romani is space scientist at NASA Goddard working with the Juno spacecraft magnetic field experiment. He was also part of the operations team for the Cassini spacecraft, which explored Saturn and its moons. His research interests include the origin and evolution of the outer planets, science education, and science and culture in history. Best for elementary age audience and older

exoplanet (earth and blank white planet)Exoplanet Detection

4–4:30 pm

Exoplanets are planets beyond our own solar system. Join us to learn more about this fascinating field of astronomy and discover the many methods used to detect these planets. What properties can be used to characterize them, and how might we identify planets that could harbor life?

Special guest Carlos E. Cruz-Arce is on the Exoplanet Modeling and Analysis Center science team and is a research assistant in the Planetary Systems Laboratory at NASA Goddard. His astronomical interests include exoplanet detection and characterization with the goal of inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers to explore the cosmos. This event is aimed at middle school students through adults.

 

Minnesota’s Astronomy Classroom is generously supported by Ruth and John Huss.

Space Trivia NightSpace Trivia

How well do YOU know the universe?

It’s our first ever trivia night! Gather a group of friends virtually or register solo for an evening of cosmic questions and stellar competition. Bell Museum planetarium staff will lead everyone through several rounds of trivia, with an intermission to create a special cocktail/mocktail. The winning team and individual will win out-of-this-world prizes!

Join the party via Zoom on Friday, February 5, from 7–9 pm! Tickets are $5 for Bell members and $7 for nonmembers.

Buy your trivia night ticket

Details

Start:
Friday | February 05, 2021 | 10:00 am
End:
Saturday | February 06, 2021 | 9:00 pm
Cost:
Free
Event Category:

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