Mark the 40th Anniversary of Man on the Moon at Stardome

On 20 July 1969, Neil A. Armstrong took ‘one giant leap for mankind’ and became the first human to set foot on the Moon. Together with Apollo 11 crew member Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, he was able to look up and see Earth as no one had ever done before.

40 years ago to the day, Stardome Observatory is celebrating this great technological achievement with a special programme.

Visitors can salute the Apollo 11 astronauts with a glass of bubbles (or juice for the children) and a piece of Apollo 11 anniversary cake; browse through archived memorabilia and have a commemorative photo taken with one of Stardome’s ‘astronauts’, before watching a choice of:

‘Astronaut’ - a planetarium show about what it’s like to be an astronaut in space, or
‘Dawn of the Space Age’ - a look at the history of space flight from inception through to the modern day.

The programmes will include courtyard telescope viewing (weather permitting) and the opportunity to sign an anniversary card to be presented to the United States Ambassador to New Zealand, who will deliver it to the United States space agency, NASA.

Stardome’s 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Celebration: Monday 20 July 2009. 6.30pm for the planetarium show ‘Astronaut‘, or 7.30pm for the planetarium show ‘Dawn of the Space Age’. Programme includes planetarium show, a presentation about Apollo 11 and courtyard telescope viewing. Telescope viewing subject to weather conditions - a raincheck is issued if viewing is not possible. Tickets $25 per person, booking and pre-payment is essential. Appropriate for ages 8 to adult. See www.stardome.org.nz for details.

IMAGES ATTACHED:

Apollo 11 – The Eagle: On July 21, 1969 Apollo 11’s lunar module, dubbed "The Eagle”, soars towards a rendezvous with the orbiting Command Module piloted by Michael Collins. Credit: Apollo 11, NASA

Buzz Aldrin: The second person to stand on the lunar surface, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin. During this Apollo 11 mission, Neil Armstrong (the first person to walk on the moon) and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon while Michael Collins circled in the Command Module above. The lunar team erected a plaque on the surface that reads: HERE MEN FROM THE PLANET EARTH FIRST SET FOOT UPON THE MOON JULY 1969 A.D. WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND. Credit: Neil Armstrong, Apollo 11, KSC, NASA

FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT:

Julie Baddiley
Operations Manager
Stardome Observatory
Ph 0272336606

ABOUT STARDOME OBSERVATORY:

Stardome Observatory has created an environment that brings together astronomers and enthusiasts and inspires a love of the sky and the science behind it. Every year the organisation uses a blend of education and entertainment to share its passion with almost 60,000 visitors.

The observatory’s facilities include an amazing 360° digital planetarium, the 0.5m Edith Winstone Blackwell Zeiss Telescope, and the Nustrini research telescope.

Situated in Auckland’s One Tree Hill Domain, Stardome Observatory is New Zealand’s leading astronomical attraction and invites you to enjoy the view.

A full list of public show times is available at www.stardome.org.nz.