The Lafayette Science Museum is planning a full schedule of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission.
That mission which launched from Kennedy Space Center on July 16, 1969, was the first piloted landing on the moon. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin would become the first to walk on the moon on July 20. A third astronaut Michael Collins, piloted the command module during the mission. NASA is also planning several events to commemorate the anniversary.
The science museum says that among the scheduled events are the screening of the award-winning film Apollo 11 on Thursday, July 18 and an Apollo-Palooza and Star Party on Saturday, July 20.
LSM Director Kevin Krantz says that 2019 not only marks the 50th anniversary for the moon landing, but the 50th anniversary of the Lafayette Science Museum.
"We are excited to commemorate both of these momentous occasions and invite the community to join us in the celebration with these exciting events," says Krantz.
The schedule of events provided by the Lafayette Science Museum includes:
Documentary Date Night | Apollo 11
Thursday • July 18 • 7pm • LAFAYETTE SCIENCE MUSEUM
Popcorn is a must, but the date is optional for this chance to see an award-winning, critically acclaimed film in the museum gallery. Who says date night can't be educational? Crafted from a newly discovered trove of 65mm footage and more than 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings and immersed in perspectives of the astronauts, the team in Mission Control, and the millions of spectators on the ground, this film has been called a masterpiece. Join us and vividly experience those momentous days and hours in 1969 when humankind took a giant leap into the future. Free event, limited seating. Doors open at 6pm. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Apollo-Palooza!
Saturday • July 20 • 10:30am-5pm • LAFAYETTE SCIENCE MUSEUM
In addition to our regular schedule of planetarium programs, we'll have special presentations about Apollo and the moon, a "realtime" replay of the Apollo 11 landing, giveaways of a model Lunar Module and model Command & Service Module that were 3D printed at the Museum and the Apollo mini-exhibit "Race to the Moon." All events included with regular museum admission.
Realtime Apollo Landing • 10:30am, 2:50pm, 3:35pm • Auditorium
Hear a 15-minute replay of the Apollo 11 descent to landing, with information that tells who is speaking and how the Lunar Module "Eagle" is aimed, all synchronized to actual video looking out the lander's windows. The 2:50pm session will be timed so that as "Eagle" touches down, it will be 50 years to the minute since the real thing happened!
Planetarium Programs • 11:15am, 1:30pm, 2:45pm, 4pm • Planetarium
See calendar for programs and descriptions. Visit www.lafayettesciencemuseum.org.
World of the Moon • 1pm • Auditorium
Discover what the moon is like and how Apollo astronauts got there! Best for ages 6 and up.
Apollo 3D-printed Model Giveaway • 4:45pm • Auditorium
Two lucky Museum visitors will win models of a Lunar Module or a Command Module that were 3D printed right here at the Museum. Sign up to be eligible any time during your visit on the Museum on this date. Need not be present to win.
Apollo-Palooza! Star Party
Saturday • July 20 • 9pm-10pm • PICARD PARK
If it's a clear evening, we'll set up telescopes near the parking lot at Picard Park for public observing of Jupiter, Saturn, and more! Because of possible mosquitoes, wearing long pants, long sleeves, socks, and closed-toe shoes is highly recommended. Don't forget your bug spray! Free event, all ages welcome.
