NASA Brings Science of Space Down to Earth for 2015 World Science Festival

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May 26, 2015, 06:36 ET

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From mega space telescopes to space navigation, NASA is bringing a variety of interactive, hands-on activities and exhibits to the more than 100,000 visitors who will attend this year's World Science Festival in New York Wednesday, May 27 through Sunday, May 31.

The public is invited to join NASA in celebrating the science and technology that will make possible the great discoveries of the future and astronauts' journeys to destinations farther into our solar system than ever before, including Mars.

NASA's activities and exhibits are:

Space Exploration: Reaching New Heights
When: Wednesday, May 27 – Friday, May 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Pier 86, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
West 46th Street and 12th Avenue

Ever wonder how rockets launch or spacecraft land when coming back from space? Curious about the technology that gives us those spectacular images of other planets and distant stars? Join NASA scientists and educators at the World Science Festival for answers with hands-on activities. Experiment with infrared cameras, make seltzer rockets, see models of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, and learn about future explorations to Mars and other parts of the solar system and the advancements in flight and technology that will help us explore space.

This program is open to the public. Science on Site School Programs will also include a private tour of the Space Shuttle Pavilion. Schools interested in bringing classes to this exhibit should contact Jon Chang at [email protected].

NASA Orbit Pavilion
When: Wednesday, May 27 – Friday, May 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 30, noon to 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: New York University, Gould Plaza

Enter the NASA Orbit Pavilion, a massive, interactive sculpture premiering at the World Science Festival. Learn about Earth Science satellites that monitor our planet's ever-changing pulse from their unique vantage points. Listen to sonic interpretations of the actual movements of satellites orbiting Earth, view our planet through the 3-D programs, and conduct hands-on activities with NASA scientists. Schools interested in bringing classes to this exhibit should contact Jon Chang at [email protected].

Pioneers in Science: Ellen Stofan, NASA Chief Scientist
When: Thursday, May 28, 10 to 11:15 a.m.
Where: Live-streamed at http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/pioneers

Great minds inspire greatness. The Pioneers in Science program offers high school students a path toward greatness through a rare opportunity to interact with world-renowned scientists. This year, students from around the globe will engage with NASA Chief Scientist and leading planetary geologist Ellen Stofan. Stofan is one of the premier experts on the terrain of Titan, Venus, Mars, and Earth. During this intimate gathering, students will have the opportunity to ask Stofan about her career, her inspirations, and NASA's science programs.

Night Lights, Big City
When: Saturday, May 30, 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park

Join NASA for an evening of stargazing, discussions and demonstrations, including a talk by NASA astronaut Nicole Stott on spacewalks and the critical role of the spacesuit.

Scientific Sails: Under the Stars
When: Saturday, May 30, 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park

NASA astronaut Nicole Stott will raise the sails on the Mystic Whaler schooner and talk to guests about how navigating a ship has evolved through the centuries from charting a course with a compass, the sea, and the stars, to relying on today's radar, electronic charts, and GPS. This event is currently sold out.

The Ultimate Science Street Fair
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Washington Square Park

World Science Festival 2015 turns Washington Square Park into an outdoor lab celebrating the fascinating science that shapes our lives. It's a full day of hands-on activities, interactive experiments, installations, and demonstrations. Meet scientists and astronauts, and enjoy live performances. Run through the Mars rover obstacle course, and learn how scientists search for life on other planets. Suit up and train like an astronaut while suspended in the air, and much more.

Media interested in interviewing NASA personnel at the festival should contact Leslie McCarthy at [email protected] or 212-678-5507, or Michael Cabbage at [email protected] or 212-678-5516.

To take part in, or follow the conversation on Twitter, use the hashtag #WSF15.

For more information about the 2015 World Science Festival, visit:

http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/category/2015-world-science-festival/programs-2015-new-york/

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SOURCE NASA