Jill's Journal: There’s probably grander planetariums all over the country and maybe we’ll get to some of those down the road, but the girls (particularly Erika) are interested in stars and space
right now. How handy that Reno is home to the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center. Located on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, the small planetarium was a perfect introduction to the wonders of the universe.
Erika was absolutely enthralled by this six-foot tall rotating moon and its six tiny American flags marking the exact spots of the six Apollo landings. There was an equally large rotating globe of Planet Earth.
The small exhibit hall was almost entirely interactive, perfect for inquisitive little hands and minds. Here the girls are touching a “fallen star,” a 30-pound meteorite that fell to earth.
But the piece de resistance was the star show, held in the dome theatre. Built in 1964, Fleischmann Planetarium was the first planetarium in the world to offer full-dome movies. This is where you lie back in the chair and watch the show unfold above and around you in total darkness. It was a big hit with the girls as we got a tour through our solar system and glimpses of other galaxies through the Hubble Telescope.
Confession: In spite of taking an Astronomy class in college to get some of those required science credits out of the way, I’ve never cared much for space. But, I have to say, seeing the excitement and wonder Erika has for it is infectious and gives me an appreciation for it I’ve never had before in my life. Having kids and nurturing their interests is almost like getting a second childhood. What a gift.
4 comments:
That picture of Rob and the girls watching the stars is just the cutest and funniest!! Love it.
MOM VP
Beppy, isn't that cute? I'm pretty fond of that one myself. :)
Is that because you took your Astronomy class at MSJC? I took that class there and it was A.W.F.U.L, so no wonder we don't appreciate the stars and planets between us and God until we see it through the eyes of a curious child. :)
LOL! Katie, surprisingly no -- it wasn't at MSJC, although I did take plenty of other awful classes there if it makes you feel better. I remember one or two of them being with you, although those stand out in my mind as fun times and not awful ones solely due to the company. :)
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