Photo courtesy of London Children's Museum
BYU invites families and students to attend this year’s Astrofest.
This annual event turns the Eyring Science Center into an interactive science festival with fun for all ages. And it’s all free. Activities will introduce children to the exciting world of physics and astronomy and let them explore space and science in a hands-on environment.
Astrofest began in 2009 to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy. Year after year, this popular event gives the community a fun learning experience.
“This family event helps to get kids excited about the sciences,” said Dr. Jeannette Lawler, Director of the BYU Royden G. Derrick Planetarium. “This can even help give them a vision of what they can get out of education. It’s fun as well as meaningful.”
Astrofest will be held on Saturday, May 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Activities include:
- Rocket Launching: Build a rocket and send it sky high! A rocket launchpad will be set up outside the Eyring Science Center. Astrofest participants can also make paper airplanes and measure how far they fly.
- Planetarium Shows: Relax under the stars. Planetarium shows will play continuously in the Royden G. Derrick Planetarium in the Eyring Science Center.
- Solar Observing: Take the chance to stare at the sun—safely. Guests can view the sun through telescopes with special protective filters. Participants might even see sunspots.
- Physics Demonstrations: The Society of Physics Students will perform physics demonstrations for all ages to enjoy.
- Acoustics Demonstrations: The Acoustical Society of America students will provide fun shows that teach the science behind sound. They will also conduct guided tours through research facilities, including the anechoic and reverberation rooms.
- MAGICC Lab Robots: Tour BYU’s Multiple Agent Intelligent Coordination and Control Lab, where engineering students will show off their robotic explorers.
In case of inclement weather, activities will be moved inside the Eyring Science Center.
Visit astrofest.byu.edu for more information about parking, demonstration times, and activities.