The Force is Strong at the Space Foundation Discovery Center this Week

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 29, 2016) – From stars in the sky, to sci-fi stars of the big screen, the Discovery Center has something for the entire family, Nov. 30 – Dec. 3. Two events, the Family Star Party and Star Days, offer interactive and educational fun for all ages.

Earlier this year, the Discovery Center began a new free evening event, the Family Star Party. Inspiring the next generation of astronomy enthusiasts, the evening begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30. All outdoor activities are free, and include the following:

• Learn about constellations and the legendary stories behind them
• View planets, constellations, nebulas and other deep sky objects through a variety of telescopes
• View and experience a Do-It-Yourself planetarium on our lawn
• Learn how telescopes work and the many different types of telescopes available

Indoor activities will be available, as well, with discounted Discovery Center admission, and include special Science On a Sphere® presentations displaying the night sky that evening. Be sure to bring a coat and your curiosity for this special evening of stargazing. All ages are welcome to attend.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, visitors to the Discovery Center can expect a full day of Star Wars excitement. theme for the day: “A Far Away Galaxy.” Activities will include:

• Special showing of Star Wars: The Force Awakens at 11:00 a.m.
• Science On a Sphere® presentation: Planets of the Empire
• Meet the Storm Troopers and Bounty Hunters
• Meet droids from the movies, and drive a droid on our desert world
• Create intergalactic crafts

NORAD Tracks Santa, a Space Foundation Certification Partner, will also be onsite Dec. 3, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., to tell the story of both the history of their program and how NORAD uses space assets to track Santa across the world today.

“Star Days,” sponsored in part by Raytheon and Uwingu, are held one Saturday each month at the Discovery Center with a special space theme and extra activities appropriate for all ages. No advance registration is needed for these programs.

About the Discovery Center
Located only five minutes from Garden of the Gods Park, at 4425 Arrowswest Drive, Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation Discovery Center is the region’s only space, science and technology attraction.

Military discounts are available. For hours, pricing and other information, visit www.discoverspace.org, or call the Space Foundation at 719.576.8000.

About the Space Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is the foremost advocate for all sectors of space, and is a global, nonprofit leader in space awareness activities, educational programs and major industry events, including the annual Space Symposium, in support of its mission “to advance space-related endeavors to inspire, enable and propel humanity.” Space Foundation World Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA, has a public Discovery Center, including El Pomar Space Gallery, Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere® and the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center. The Space Foundation has a Washington, D.C., office and field representatives in Houston and the Florida Space Coast. It publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity, and through its Space CertificationTM and Space Technology Hall of Fame® programs, recognizes space-based innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Visit both of our websites – www.SpaceFoundation.org and DiscoverSpace.org – and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, Flickr and YouTube, and read our e-newsletter Space Watch.

# # #

Contact:   
Colleen Parith, Coordinator – Social Media & Public Relations
[email protected]