The Brigham Young University Physics and Astronomy Department, along with the BYU Astronomical Society, will host the 2012 BYU Astrofest Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in and around the Carl F. Eyring Science Center on the BYU campus.
The event will take place on the day before a solar eclipse — an event that hasn’t happened near Provo in many years.
“For part of the activities that day, we’ll be handing out solar eclipse glasses and instructions on how to use them,” said BYU astronomy professor Denise Stephens.
The community is invited to attend the all-day event and participate in a variety of free, family-oriented activities that combine science and fun. Activities include solar eclipse preparation, solar telescopes, personalized rockets and Mars training.
“We’re going to have an inflatable obstacle course and a climbing wall for future Mars astronauts,” Stephens said.
Another highlight of Astrofest will be complimentary planetarium shows in the Eyring Science Center’s Royden G. Derrick Planetarium.
“You can go down to Clark Planetarium [in Salt Lake City] and spend $6 per person to watch a show that is very similar to the one we are presenting here for free,” Stephens said.
The Eyring Science Center is located east of the Spencer W. Kimball Tower. Parking is free, but attendees should observe all service-vehicle and handicap-parking zones.
David Derrick, an amateur astronomer and member of the BYU President’s Leadership Council, and his wife Marsha provided funding for the event.
For more information, contact Denise Stephens at (801) 422-2167 or denise_stephens@byu.edu.
Follow BYU events on Twitter: @BYUcalendar.
Writer: Preston Wittwer
