Astronomy Weekend at Crossroads

“Welcome to the Universe” is the theme of the 2009 Family Astronomy Weekend at Crossroads of Big Creek. The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, with the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society and Friends of Crossroads sponsoring an array of family activities designed to introduce learners of all ages to the wonders of astronomy.

Two feature family programs will highlight the weekend. “Wisconsin Starwatch,” with America’s Master Stargazing Instructor Mike Lynch, will occur on Saturday, September 19 at 2 pm in the Collins Learning Center. A radio personality and meteorologist from the Twin Cities, Lynch is the author of Wisconsin Starwatch:  The Essential Guide to the Night Sky as well as other books in the popular Starwatch series. He had led stargazing classes for more than 30 years and has instructed thousands of backyard astronomers.

“Space is Cool,” a demonstration program by space educator Jason Marcks about the icy reaches of outer space, is planned for Sunday, September 20 at 4:15 pm, with a rocket launch to follow at 4:30 pm. Marcks teaches both undergraduate and graduate education courses in science and travels the country doing space-related programs in schools. Jason was recently named the Frank G. Brewer award winner for excellent in aerospace education.

Crossroads at Big Creek is located at 2041 Michigan Street in Sturgeon Bay. To reach the Astronomy Campus of Crossroads, turn onto Utah Street and at the stop sign of the Cove Road intersections, turn left into Crossroads. For more information about Family Astronomy Weekend, call 920.746.5895.