September 3, 2022 A first quarter moon rises today at 2:15 pm. Although the Moon is often thought of as being visible only at night, it can also be seen during the day. The Moon does not create its own light and instead reflects light coming from the Sun. Since the Moon is relatively close… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: September 2, 2022
September 2, 2022 On this date in 1804, German astronomer Karl Harding discovered the asteroid Juno. The asteroid was initially considered a planet; however, in the 1850s it was reclassified to an asteroid. In less than a week, on September 7, 2022, Juno will reach and make its closest approach to Earth. Although Juno will… Continue reading
Montgolfier Balloon Model
Montgolfier Balloon Model, ca. 1946-47 This painted wooden model represents the invention of the hot air balloon by the Montgolfier brothers in France, who are responsible for launching the age of air. On September 19, 1783, the brothers demonstrated their invention for King Louis XVI at Versailles, sending the first passengers skyward – a sheep,… Continue reading
Science and Creativity Go Hand in Hand at SciFest: Play & Creativity Expo
Support science for our future. Make a gift to the Science Center’s Annual Fund to help support the Science Center’s education programs. On Saturday, August 13, the Science Center’s SciFest: Play & Creativity Expo invited the St. Louis community to a fun and unique opportunity to meet, play, and create along with more than 30… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: August 31, 2022
August 31, 2022 The Aurigid meteor shower peaks in the predawn hours of tomorrow morning, with the best times to observe being between midnight tonight and sunrise. This shower is typically active from August 28 to September 5. This meteor shower has a peak rate of about 6 meteors per hour. Viewing from the city… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: August 30, 2022
August 30, 2022 Tonight at 10 pm, The Summer Triangle can be seen directly overhead. This famous asterism contains the major constellations of Cygnus, Lyra, and Aquila. The minor constellations of Sagitta and Vulpecula can be found within the boundaries of the Summer Triangle. The sky as it will look tonight at 10 pm. The… Continue reading
Keeping the Stars Shining Bright in the McDonnell Planetarium
Support science for our future. Make a gift to the Science Center’s Annual Fund to help support the Science Center’s education programs. Before St. Louis’ iconic McDonnell Planetarium celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2023, a smaller annual event is about to take place when the Planetarium’s ZEISS UNIVERSARIUM Mark IX Star Projector undergoes its annual… Continue reading
HOCKEY: NHL Technology Presentation
On Sunday August 21, members of the NHL’s Technical Team were at the Saint Louis Science Center to discuss the evolution of technology used by players, coaches and referees to make in-game decisions. These experts showcased some of the technology used right here in St. Louis’ Enterprise Center during St. Louis Blues games. Guests had… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: August 29, 2022
August 29, 2022 On this date in 1965, Gemini V returned to Earth following an 8-day orbital mission. Due to a programming error in their navigational computer, the astronauts had to guide the spacecraft to its splashdown manually. A recovery helicopter carries command pilot L. Gordon Cooper, Jr. from the Gemini V capsule after splashdown.… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: August 28, 2022
August 28, 2022 On this date in 1789, William Herschel discovered Saturn’s sixth largest moon Enceladus. Herschel used his famous “Great Forty-Foot” telescope – with a 48 in diameter – for the initial discovery, and it wasn’t until the Voyager missions that humans were able to get a more detailed look at Enceladus. Voyager 2… Continue reading