LINCOLN, Neb. (August 18, 2017)— With all of the fun events surrounding the total solar eclipse, people often forget the amount of scientific research that goes in to planning and preparing for it. Communities all over Nebraska are focusing on the importance of scientific research involved with this incredible event.
“The Solar Eclipse is a great opportunity for people of all ages to engage in research and scientific discoveries,” said John Ricks, executive director at the Nebraska Tourism Commission. “Nebraska is fortunate enough to host NASA scientists, planetarium exhibits and professors from across the country.”
Here are just a few towns in Nebraska where astrology fans and amateur science geeks can go and learn from other professionals in the study of celestial events:
Alliance
The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center will be hosting Digitalis Planetarium shows on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. The show is about 40 minutes long and be sure to make reservations so you know you have a spot! The show is designed for age 10 to adult.
There will also be five different educational seminars held in the Performing Arts Center, 1450 Box Butte Ave. Seminars will start on Friday at 7 PM and the last one will be on Sunday at 7 PM. To learn about the seminars and events in Alliance, visit their website.
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Ashland
The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum will be hosting a solar eclipse viewing on Monday, August 21. It will include access to planetarium shows from 11 AM to 4 PM. They will also provide a science presentation at 11 AM along with outdoor music during the eclipse gathering. General admission for indoor activities is $12/adult, $11/senior or military, and $6/youth 4-12 years of age.
To learn more about the viewing at the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum visit their website.
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Beatrice
Homestead National Monument will host many events throughout the weekend including presentations by several scientists. NASA professionals Dr. Edwin Grayzeck, Lindley Johnson, Zach Berta-Thompson and Dr. Kelsey Young will be speaking on Monday. Dr. Amy Mainzer will have a Q & A session and Bill Nye will talk about the Eclipse Junior Ranger Program.
There will also be a NASA tent where people can have astronomical conversations with NASA professionals.
For all of the activities going on at Homestead, visit their website.
To learn more about activities in Beatrice, visit their website.
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Gering and Omaha
If you are interested in learning how different animals react to the eclipse you can go to Riverside Discovery Center for educational activities, food and the chance to spend the eclipse with animals at the zoo. For more information visit their Facebook page.
The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium will also be hosting activities such as crafts, stories and animal observations. Activities will take place at the Wildlife Safari Park where an open prairie will make for a great view of the sky. For more information visit their website.
For more information on other activities in Gering and Omaha, visit the NEclipse website.
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Lincoln
Haymarket Park, home of the Lincoln Saltdogs Baseball team, will be hosting several indoor and outdoor exhibits as part of a Science and Engineering Expo. The public is welcome to come and enjoy free informational booths, hands-on activities and interactive demos.
If you are looking for a family friendly show for younger kids, you can visit Mueller Planetarium at Morrill Hall on Friday and Saturday at 11:00 AM. They will also have a show geared towards an older audience at 12:00 AM.
To learn about events in Lincoln visit the city's website.
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Other Locations
More events and exhibits will be held in communities across the state, including the cities of Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, North Platte, and Scottsbluff. To learn more about the eclipse and how you should prepare for this highly anticipated event, visit the NEclipse website.
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For more information about travel, events and unique destinations in Nebraska, order your free travel guide today at VisitNebraska.com. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our Visit Nebraska Facebook page, on Twitter, on Pinterest, on Instagram and on YouTube.
The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to VisitNebraska.com.
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