Team members from NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt will be at the Cosmosphere in February for
PlutoPalooza — a two-day celebration of exploration that features free public presentations, a star-gazing evening, a teacher workshop, and a chance to hear directly from mission scientists and engineers, two of whom have special hometown connections to Kansas.
On Wednesday, February 14, at 7 p.m., a lively TED talk-style presentation will include stories from the mission's scientists and stunning images from the spacecraft's flight through the Pluto system. Since this is Valentine's Day, the researchers will explain just how the spectacular giant heart on Pluto was formed, and why they think the dwarf planet is still geologically active despite being so far from the Sun.
On Thursday, February 15, the Cosmosphere's monthly Coffee @ the Cosmo 9 a.m. presentation will offer attendees the opportunity to chat informally with the NASA mission team members.
That evening, from 7 to 9 p.m., a stargazing event titled Starry Night: PlutoPalooza will take place at Hobart-Detter field in Carey Park with members of the New Horizons team and Science Educators from the Cosmosphere. Viewing equipment will be available.
For more details on these events, please contact the Cosmosphere Box Office at 620.662.2305 or 800.397.0330.