21 April 2010

Media Advisory

Astronomers Discuss 'Hubble 3D,' Cosmic Research at Bob Bullock Museum

Event: Screening of IMAX film “Hubble 3D,” followed by panel discussion with three University of Texas at Austin astronomers who are frequent users of Hubble Space Telescope

When: Saturday, April 24. Film screening at noon; panel discussion follows at about 1 p.m.

Where: Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas

Background: Join The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and The University of Texas at Austin for a unique afternoon of space exploration. First, be awed by “Hubble 3D” in the IMAX Theatre. Journey to distant galaxies, witness the precision work done by astronauts and learn how the Hubble Space Telescope has profoundly affected the way we understand our universe.

After the screening, listen to scientists from The University of Texas at Austin Department of Astronomy and McDonald Observatory speak about their research using the Hubble Space Telescope, their thoughts on its future, and ask your own questions.

Panelists include:  G. Fritz Benedict, McDonald Observatory senior research scientist, an expert on tracking the positions of objects in space;  Karl Gebhardt, professor of astronomy, who researches black holes and dark energy; and Shardha Jogee, associate professor of astronomy, who researches both observational and theoretical aspects of the evolution, structure and activities of galaxies.

Movie tickets are $7 adults, $5 kids. Panel discussion is free with ticket purchase, but you must request panel tickets when buying movie tickets. To purchase, call (512) 936-4649.

Free family activities will also be available from noon to 4 p.m.; no reservation required.

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Media Contacts:

Rebecca Johnson, University of Texas at Austin McDonald Observatory, (512) 475-6763

Timothy Dillon, The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, (512) 936-4600