People of all ages are invited to attended BYU’s Astrofest, a day to celebrate the study of astronomy through hands-on activities, tours and demonstrations this Saturday, May 17.
Put on by BYU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, some of the main events of the day include the opportunity for participants to build their own rockets inside the Eyring Science Center and then test their creations outside, launching them skyward.
For those who prefer horizontal flight rather than vertical, paper airplane building demonstrations will be going on as well.
Other events include stargazing in the planetarium, a telescope demonstration and even training to become an astronaut by pretending to climb “Valles Marineris”, a rock wall. Participants can also prepare for the red planet’s rough terrain on a blow-up obstacle course. Though activities are geared toward children, adults are invited to join in the fun.
The day’s activities begin at 10 a.m. and go until 4 p.m. in the lobby of the Eyring Science Center (astronaut training and rocket launching will be located outside between the Eyring Science Center and the Joseph F. Smith Building).
In case of inclement weather all activities will be moved inside the Eyring Science Center. Parking is free, and there is no cost to participate in the activities.
First put on in 2009 in honor of the International Year of Astronomy, the Astrofest has continued to grow annually by giving the community a fun learning environment.
For more information and a full list of all of the day’s fun activities, visit astrofest.byu.edu.
