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Art&Seek Jr: Star Gazing and Moon Watching


by Therese Powell 9 Jul 2013 5:07 PM

Is the moon really made of green cheese? Find out at one of these “moon” related events.

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Art&Seek Jr. is one mom‘s quest to find activities to end the seemingly endless chorus of the “I’m Bored Blues” while having fun herself. Impossible you say? Check back on Tuesdays for kid-friendly events that are fun for adults, too.

Rose and I were outside one night last week enjoying the mild weather, and the question of the moon came up. Actually, it wasn’t just one question, but rather a whole series of questions. “Is the moon getting smaller or bigger?” “How come you can see the moon during the day sometimes?” “Why can’t people live on the moon?” And my favorite, “What is a ‘Blue Moon’ and why are you always singing about it?” I’m sorry to say my knowledge of astronomy and all things lunar is somewhat limited. I was, after all, a liberal arts major. Thank God for Google.

If you’ve got a kid fascinated with night skies, you won’t want to miss these calendar events coming up this month:  Join the Noble Planetarium staff and members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society for a Star Party this Saturday at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. There will be plenty of telescopes for viewing and astronomy buffs on hand to help answer those burning questions about the moon. The party takes place in the Museum’s south parking lot. The party gets rolling at dusk and lasts until approximately 10:30 p.m. Best of all, it’s free!

La bella luna! Photo: NASA

La bella luna! Photo: NASA

Get out and celebrate the 44th anniversary of the first lunar landing on July 20 at the Moon Day event at the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field. The celebration of space exploration will feature three inflatable planetariums, robotics demonstrations, a close-up look at meteorites and free “Lunar Sample Bags” for the kiddos. No, these won’t include space rocks, but the tots will find magazines, stickers, activity books, posters and other goodies in their bags.

Finally, what better way to ponder the moon and all its wonders than with characters from a galaxy far, far away? I know, it’s a reach, but you’ll still want to check out the Star Wars Celebration July 23 at the Emily Fowler branch of the Denton Public Library. Members of the 501st Legion in authentic costumes will be on hand to greet Star Wars fans young and old. There will be Star Wars-themed snacks and crafts, and everyone is encouraged to dress up as his or her favorite character. Here’s a hint–bring your camera. You’ll want to get a shot of dad dressed like a Wookie.

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer. She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 8-year-old daughter, Rose. Tell us about your ideas for quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at [email protected].

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