LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium at the University of Louisville is celebrating its 47th birthday and—in lieu of birthday cake—will give everyone who attends its April 4 birthday celebration a moon pie (while supplies last) and a chance to win a beginner’s astronomy kit.
“We’ve been here for nearly five decades spreading the joy of astronomy and science to the Louisville community,” said planetarium director Rachel Connolly. “We wanted to mark this year’s birthday with something fun and, hopefully, inspire those who have never been to our facility to pay us a visit.”
Connolly said the April event is also part of the International Year of Astronomy’s 100 Hours of Observing, a program that encourages people to look through a telescope just like Galileo did 400 years ago.
Weather permitting, planetarium staff members will offer solar viewing during the celebration. The special $5 per person cost includes admission to Skies Over Louisville (shows at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.) as well as admission to the telescope workshop and other activities.
Other upcoming planetarium events include: