December 2009 Press Release:
Museum closed Thursday-Saturday, December 24-26 and Thursday-Friday, December 31 and January 1
Dinosaur Discovery Day
Saturday, December 5
9 am to 5 pm
Dino-might! This whole day is devoted to digging into dinosaurs. Come out and explore the UM Exhibit Museum of Natural History on our Dinosaur Discovery Day. How do scientists learn about dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals? Are birds dinosaurs? Why or why not? Displays, crafts, very special guests, and activities throughout the museum focus on the science of paleontology. Take part in a fossil dig, turn into a triceratops, watch dinosaur movies and take home a dino craft. We’ll have activities for the whole family: dinosaur facts and fun on all four floors! Sponsored by the State Street Area Association.
Free Dinosaur Tours!
Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm
Attention dinosaur fans! Join us at 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays for a free, 30-minute docent-led tour of the dinosaur exhibits. Sign up on the day of the tour. Limit: 15 people.
Planetarium Shows
The Sky Tonight: Star Talk
Mon-Wed, December 28-30 at 1:30 & 3:30
Saturdays, December 5, 12 & 19 at 11:30, 1:30 & 3:30;
Sundays, December 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 1:30 & 3:30
Bright stars, constellations, planets, and telescopic objects in the current night sky will be discussed in this live “star talk.” Then leave Earth and fly out into space to examine the planets in the current sky.
Stars of the Pharoahs
Saturdays, December 5, 12 & 19 at 2:30
Travel to ancient Egypt to see how science was used to tell time, make a workable calendar, and align huge buildings. Learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phenomena. See some of the most spectacular temples and tombs of the ancient world recreated in their original splendor.
Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope
Mon-Wed, December 28-30 at 2:30
Saturdays, December 5, 12 & 19 at 12:30;
Sundays, December 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 2:30
Four hundred years ago, a simple adjustment to a child’s spyglass revealed an infinite and perplexing universe. Today, the world’s great telescopes gaze into both the distant past and into our future. From simple diagrams to dramatic full dome fly-throughs, this program illustrates the important contributions made with telescopes, and how some telescopes work. A short, live star talk is included in the program.
Little Star
Mon-Wed, December 28-30 at 12:30
Little Star, an average yellow star, searches for planets of his own to protect and warm. Along the way, he meets other stars, learns what makes each star special and discovers that stars combine to form clusters and galaxies. Little Star also learns about planets and our Solar System.
All ages admitted. Planetarium prices are $5 for adults, seniors, & children.
