AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2012

Sparks!A Newsletter for Members and Friends of the Museum of Science

Launched at the height of the steam age, the

SS Republic was powered by the era’s finest

machinery. She served both the Union and

Confederate navies, roamed the Atlantic Seaboard and

Gulf of Mexico, called at ports in Central and South

America, and completed a transatlantic voyage. The

ship survived three storms but succumbed to the

fourth, sliding beneath the surface of the Atlantic in

October 1865. It remained hidden from human eyes

until August 2003, when it was

discovered by Odyssey Marine

Exploration, a research

enterprise with exper-

tise in deep-water

archaeology.

Tales of the DeepA new temporary exhibit combines the lore of seafaring, the allure of long-lost ships, and the thrill of high-tech expeditions to the ocean’s depths.

Continued on next page

Shipwreck Specialists

Completed at a record 1,700 feet below the ocean surface, the

SS Republic’s recovery required the use of robotics, advanced

survey and navigation systems, and sophisticated visual and

data recording programs. Through the bold application of such

technologies, Odyssey has found more shipwrecks in the deep

ocean than any other searcher. Share in Odyssey’s passion for

archaeological exploration and learn about the groundbreaking

tools that have led to headline-making discoveries in SHIPWRECK!

Pirates & Treasure, on exhibit September 23 – March 3.

Tools of Discovery

With the story of the SS Republic at

its center, the exhibit explores

the latest tools used to reclaim

Inside This Issue

• 3-D Wonders Take Flight

• Coming to a Town Near You

• What’s Happening in the Green Wing

Captain Kidd. Perhaps the greatest hazard to

seagoing vessels, however, is strong winds.

Learn about the meteorological conditions

that spell trouble for ships, and step into a

“hurricane” tunnel to experience the power-

ful force that brought down the SS Republic.

With these interactive offerings and more,

SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure presents

the latest findings unearthed by practitioners

at the forefront of deep-ocean exploration,

allowing you to experience the hazardous

interface of ships and sea.

SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure is presented by Odyssey Marine Exploration.

lost vessels and presents fascinating ac-

counts of ships and shipwrecks. Investigate

full-size replicas of Odyssey’s excavation

equipment and devices, including ZEUS, an

eight-ton remotely operated vehicle capable

of grasping items as small as coins. Manipu-

late a robotic arm like ZEUS’s to see

how many coins you can gather.

Tantalizing Treasures

SHIPWRECK! features

more than 500 artifacts.

Examine rare coins

from the SS Republic,

silver reales from the

“Tortugas” wreck, Civil War-

era bottles, porcelain figures,

game pieces, hair combs, and more.

You’ll see how shipwrecks become time

capsules of history, preserving everything

from period currency to personal articles that

reveal the fashions and customs of past cen-

turies. Learn about the refined techniques

Odyssey’s world-class conservationists use to

preserve objects for current and future study.

Peril at Sea

As the exhibit’s stunning artifacts dem-

onstrate, great wealth often travels aboard

ships. And where there is treasure, there

may be pirates. SHIPWRECK! explores both

fact and fiction about famous seagoing ban-

dits, including Blackbeard and

Continued from cover

SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure On Exhibit September 23 – March 3

Deep-Water DiscoveriesSHIPWRECK! Pirates &

Treasure presents gripping

accounts of once-mighty

vessels lost at sea:

HMS VictoryThis Royal Navy warship carried

a full complement of bronze

cannon when it went down in

the English Channel in 1744.

SS GairsoppaTorpedoed by a U-boat during

World War II, this British

merchant ship may have had

240 tons of silver aboard.

“Tortugas” WreckFound by fishermen, this vessel

may be from a 1622 Spanish

fleet bearing treasures from the

New World.

HMS SussexThis 80-gun warship went down

in a severe storm off Gibraltar in

1694.

“35F” WreckRecovered near the English

Channel, research suggests this

unidentified ship was an armed

merchantman involved with

West African trade.

“Blue China” WreckLoaded with glassware and

ceramics, this vessel may have

roved the Atlantic Seaboard as

a pre-Civil War trader.

“We were laboring to keep the ship

afloat…. At half-past one in the af-

ternoon we stopped bailing as it was

evident that she could not float much

longer. The boats were launched

and a raft made, and at two the men

began to get into the boats…. At four

o’clock p.m. the ship sunk to the bot-

tom with $300,000 in gold and much

other treasure on board. The four

boats and raft now started on their

cruise for life…”

— Letter from SS Republic survivor Col. William T. Nichols, Nov. 2, 1865

New 3-D Thrills and ChillsViewers take flight as prehistoric pterosaurs—and modern space junk—dominate the skies.

Please take a seat, put on your 3-D glasses, and prepare to be

hurled into the distant past—or propelled into the future—

with the Museum’s two newest 3-D films!

Flying Monsters

Picture prehistoric creatures soaring overhead with wing-

spans up to 40 feet—equal to that of a modern day jet plane.

For thousands of years, humans have imagined that flying

monsters might once have existed. Are they merely the stuff

of myths, legends, and nightmares?

Famous naturalist and documentary filmmaker Sir David

Attenborough reveals that when dinosaurs ruled the Earth,

flying monsters ruled the skies. He narrates Flying Monsters, the

story of the pterosaurs, real creatures that began to dominate

prehistory 220 million years ago.

Soar through the skies with the pterosaurs, and discover

the answers to some of the greatest mysteries in pa-

leontology: How did creatures the size of giraffes

defy gravity and actually fly? How did humans

discover that they were real, and why did they

suddenly disappear from the Earth?

Flying Monsters is a production of National Geographic Films.

Space Junk

From discovering the wonders of space exploration to inventing

satellite communications, humans have developed a profound

connection to space. Since the 1960s we have traveled to the

Moon, flown the Space Shuttles, constructed the Hubble

telescope, and worked aboard the International Space

Station. Today, we depend upon space for

sophisticated communications tools that

literally make the world run.

Unfortunately our planet’s need for com-

munication has transformed what was once

“the final frontier” into something far less

romantic: an orbiting junkyard of cast-off space

debris. Space Junk illustrates great bands of trash

circling the globe. Will space junk jeopardize

future space travel and exploration?

Forces of nature and natural collisions will continue to shape our

universe. We try to anticipate natural collisions, but perhaps we

can avoid those that are human-made. Can our ingenuity and

technology, which led to this problem, also become a

source of solutions?

Space Junk is presented by Melrae Pictures in association with Red Barn Productions.

Now Showing in the 3-D Digital Cinema

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“So, you want to talk about the marvelous Traveling Programs…” This is how Lorraine Der, children’s librarian at the Hamilton-

Wenham public library, starts a conversation about Museum of Science Traveling Programs. Der is one of the many librarians, community leaders, and teachers who have taken advantage of the Museum’s ability to bring science programs directly into towns across New England. When asked how many pro-grams she’s hosted over the years, Der laughs and replies, “All the ones you have to offer!”

The Museum Comes to Town

Traveling Programs are mobile science presentations geared

toward elementary- and middle-school-age children. In 2011,

the Program’s vans covered more than 65,000 miles, allowing

educators to reach 950 sites and 100,000 people! Inside those

vans are the tools needed to illustrate that day’s presenta-

tion—live animals for an assembly on habitats, super strong

magnets for a program on electromagnetism, or liquid nitrogen

for demonstrations on states of matter. Many of the programs

are interactive and involve participants in designing and testing

solutions to science problems; all are designed to engage kids

regardless of their learning style. “The interactive programs,

like Rockets and A World of Bridges are really hands-on, and

that’s off the charts for the kids,” says Hamilton-Wenham’s Der.

While Traveling Programs visit school groups most often, over

the past several years, the Museum has expanded its offerings

for libraries, scout troops, corporate family events, and camps.

These programs target a broader age range and are less curricu-

lum-based. There are currently eight public programs available,

including the new One Sky, Many Stories, which makes use of

the Museum’s STARLAB, a mobile inflatable planetarium (see

sidebar above right), and A World of Bridges: An Engineering Tale,

in which participants learn how to build a real bridge that can

stand up to foot traffic. Both presentations use storytelling to

give context to the science concepts: One Sky, Many Stories

Photo © Nicolaus CzarneckiPhoto © Aylin Cetik

Science on Wheels Traveling Programs bring the wonders of science into your community.

introduces constellations using traditional constellation

tales, while A World of Bridges uses an adventure story about

two children in the Andes mountains to add excitement to

the challenge.

Something to Look Forward to

Before a Traveling Program starts at the Hamilton-Wenham

library, the children’s room fills with excited conversation.

At times it gets so bubbly that librarian Der struggles to

speak over the crowd. Der reports that her patrons eagerly

anticipate the program, and that programs always fill up. “No

matter what is being presented, the kids are engaged and the

parents say they learn something too. They are so grateful to

have this at their local library.”

A Portable Planetarium?STARLAB looks a bit like a huge igloo rising from a

gymnasium floor. The mobile, inflatable planetarium

provides students a 360-degree view of the night sky.

The exterior fabric of the dome blocks outside light,

while the special interior fabric allows for projection of

sharp, clear images. Participants enter through a kid-

friendly tunnel; once inside they are treated to an

image of the night sky over their particular town, on

that particular day, unspoiled by light or air pollution.

The Moon, constellations, and the Milky Way rise and set

over participants in a unique, immersive environment.

Photo © TMP Images

Photo © TMP Images Photo © Aylin Cetik

Are scholarships available for public programs?

Generous supporters of the Museum allow us to provide a limited number of scholarships for libraries and other public institutions with demonstrated need.

For public program scholarship applications, visit: mos.org/publictravelingprograms.

Bringing the Museum of Science to You! Frequently Asked Questions:

Are programs available on evenings and on weekends?

Throughout the summer and during school vacation weeks, the Museum offers evening programs Monday through Friday. If you would like to schedule a program on a weekend or evening during the school year, please contact us for availability.

Can infants and young children attend public programs?

Absolutely. Our content is geared toward school-age children and up, but preschoolers are welcome to attend with their families and generally enjoy watching.

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4 Wedding Marathon “Runs” SmoothlyThe date may have been Friday the 13th, but

the day was a fortuitous one for 24 brides

and grooms. As part of the Museum’s first-

ever Wedding Marathon, the happy couples

enjoyed free 20-minute wedding ceremonies

in the Washburn Pavilion overlooking the

Charles River, small receptions inside the

Museum, and free Duck Tours. Tim Hurst

and his wife, Lynette, flew in from Utah to

renew their vows before Tim—who uses a

prosthetic leg—ran in the Boston Marathon

the following Monday.

5 White House Honors Museum

Christine Reich, the Museum’s director of

research and evaluation, was one of 14 leaders

in STEM education and employment who

were honored May 7 by the White House.

As part of President Obama’s Winning the

Future initiative, Christine was selected as a

“Champion of Change.” Christine accepted

the honor on behalf of the Museum’s accom-

plishments in the universal design, creation,

and evaluation of exhibits and programs that

advance STEM education for people with

disabilities.

6 An Inspiring Weekend for Women Scientists

The contributions of women scientists and

engineers were celebrated April 26 – 28 at the

6th annual Inspiring Minds: Meet Women in

Science program, a three-day event that this

year included a panel discussion, networking

opportunities, and a chance for recent gradu-

ates to meet one-on-one with representatives

from local companies and colleges. Among

the many speakers were Angela Belcher, the

W.M. Keck Professor of Energy at MIT, and

Evelynn Hammonds, Dean of Harvard

College.

1 Couple Shares 25th Anniversary with Omni When the Mugar Omni Theater was first

unveiled in March 1987, Joe Rivers and

Cherie Larson worked as its first projection-

ists for opening night. Soon after sharing

the thrill of witnessing the installation of the

massive 180-degree Omni dome screen, they

married. And when the theater celebrated

its silver anniversary this past April, they

not only celebrated their own 25th, but they

were also featured in an April 4 Boston Globe

article “For the Love of Omni.”

2 Clean Energy ExploredMore than 70 local leaders in clean tech and

renewable energy convened at the Museum

March 19 for a Clean Energy Summit. Before

a standing-room-only crowd, Senator John

Kerry and US Energy Secretary Steven Chu

led a lively discussion about the challenges

facing the renewable energy community and

the ways the government can provide incen-

tives and support. “Massachusetts innovators

are more important than ever as we work to

invent our way to a clean, independent, and

affordable energy future,” said Senator Kerry.

3 Christening Miss Emma Science What new black-and-red amphibious vehicle

spangled with scientific silhouettes of robots

and planets is exploring nearby land and

sea to the delight of tourists and residents?

That sounds like Miss Emma Science, a new

Museum-themed Duck Boat launched this

past spring to great fanfare! Plan to take a

Duck Tour this summer and you may be

lucky enough to traverse the city aboard

Miss Emma Science.

Museum News

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General Information

Photos © Nicolaus Czarnecki

HOURSHours, which are subject to change, are extended during Massachusetts school vacations. For updates: mos.org/hours.

Exhibit Halls

• Regular (Sat – Thurs) 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.• Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Year round)• Summer (Sat – Thurs) 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (July 5 – Labor Day)• Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day Closed

TICkETS And InfORMATIOnAdvance reservations recommended. For current prices and to purchase tickets: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org. For membership information: 617-589-0180, membership@mos.org, mos.org/members.

dIRECTIOnS And PARkIng• Address 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114• Detailed Directions 617-723-2500, mos.org/directions• Parking Museum parking is available first come, first served. Members receive a discount in the Museum garage.

BOSTOn dUCk TOURSTickets sold in the Red Wing, near the Mugar Omni Theater. DUCKs depart from the driveway near the T. rex. Tours run daily, April – November. For reservations: 617-267-3825, bostonducktours.com. Members receive a discount.

SEgWAy® ExPERIEnCETours developed by Museum staff. Powered by Segway of Boston. Tours run April – November. For departure times and fees: mos.org. Members receive a discount.

EvEnT PlAnnIngHost your next event at the Museum of Science! Food services provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering. For information: 617-589-0125 (Monday – Friday), events@mos.org. Members are eligible for special rates.

ACCESSIBIlITyThe Museum is a place where everyone can participate equally in the excitement of science and technology. For more information about accessibility in the Museum: 617-589-3102, 617-589-0417 (TTY), accessibility@mos.org, mos.org/accessibility.

EdUCATIOnAl RESOURCESField Trips

For information about Museum field trips and other opportunities for educators, such as the Teacher Partner Program: 617-723-2500, educator-email@mos.org, mos.org/educators.

Traveling Programs

Bring a fun and interactive Museum program to your pre K – 8 school or community center! For information and reservations: 617-589-0354, travelingprograms@mos.org, mos.org/travelingprograms.

Sparks! AUgUST – SEPTEMBER 2012Marketing Communications Director: Carl ZukroffEditors: Christopher DelConte, Jessica Maloney, and Jessica WarringtonArt Director: Lori SartreDesigners: Fanny Lau, Lianne Stoddard Contributors: AJ Gosselin, Kaesmene Harrison Banks, and Chris Volonte

Sparks is published bimonthly. Circulation: 57,000. © 2012 Museum of Science, Boston. All rights reserved.

STAy COnnECTEd WITH THE MUSEUM COMMUnITy! For updates, special offers, and fun science:

facebook.com/museumofscience @museumofscience on Twitter Member ENews at mos.org/enews@

IMAgInE. InnOvATE. InSPIRE.Support The Campaign for the Museum of Science. For more information, call us at 617-589-0181 or visit mos.org/campaign.

Sparks!A Newsletter for Members and Friends of the Museum of Science

Nonprofit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAIDSalem, NH

Permit #151

AuguSt – SePteMber 2012

SHIPWreCK! Pirates & treasure On Exhibit September 23 – March 3

See cover story

This exhibition was created by The Field Museum, Chicago.

On exhibit October 7 – January 13

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August SeptemberDestination: Station OpensTemporary Exhibit—This multimedia exhibit explores how the International Space Station plays a role in our everyday lives. On exhibit through Labor Day.

Mars and BeyondExplore the extremes of our solar system and galaxy during a weekend of live presentations, activities, games, and more. Also August 19. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

CAlenDAr highlightSInformation is subject to change. Please confirm all dates and times: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org.

labor DayMuseum Open—This is the last day to enjoy our extended summer hours. Exhibit Halls are open 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. today. (Open Fridays until 9:00 p.m. year round.)

lost egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science ClosesTemporary Exhibit—Last chance to use the tools and technologies of archaeologists to explore the mysteries of Egypt’s history, culture, and people.

Member Appreciation nightExclusive Member Event—Exhibit Halls open for our special guests: you, our members! 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Member halloween PartyAdvance Ticket Sales Begin—Advance tickets go on sale for Discoverers, Explorers, and Premier Level members for this popular holiday celebration. M ! $

Member halloween PartyAdvance Ticket Sales Begin—Advance tickets go on sale for Basic Level members. M ! $

World Wide Views on BiodiversityJoin in the global conversation on biodiver-sity and help impact policy discussions at the upcoming United Nations Biodiversity convention. Application required. !

ShiPWreCK! Pirates & treasureMember Preview—Hear stories of ocean adventure and discover amazing treasures, including priceless artifacts from a real Civil War-era shipwreck.

September SundaysTeacher Partners gain access to the Exhibit Halls. Also September 30. 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. !

College nightCollege students enjoy a night of free exhibits, shows, presentations, and more. 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

SyMBOl KEy

M Members may reserve tickets in advance and/or receive discounts.

! Reservations are either required or strongly recommended.

$ A fee is associated with this event or exhibit.

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September ClosingsPlanning on visiting during the last month

of the summer? September is usually less

crowded than other months, so it is a great

time to visit.

However, Museum staff also take advantage

of this slower time to conduct exhibit and

theater maintenance, which may close key

spaces for several days. Plan your visit

in advance and check our maintenance

closures at mos.org/hours.

run for a reason

Last April 16, despite a scorching temperature of 87 degrees, 15 marathoners raised more than $103,000 for the Museum’s Traveling Programs by completing the Boston Marathon®. With help from our runners, Traveling Programs deliver science programming to 100,000 people across New England each year.

To learn more about the Museum of Science Boston Marathon Team or how you can support the Museum’s Traveling Programs, contact Lindsey Davis at 617-589-4416 or marathon@mos.org. For requirement details visit mos.org/marathon.

Charles hayden Planetarium For showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org. Service charge waived for members. Shows run approximately 35 – 45 minutes.

new! Ghosts of Jupiter: Music ExperienceMusic by Boston-based rock quintet Ghosts of Jupiter takes you on a fantastic ride through space, time, and the outer reaches of the mind.

new! The Sky Tonight: Mars!Through Monday, September 3To celebrate the August arrival of NASA’s Curiosity rover to Mars, this live interactive show features the red planet among the seasonal stars and constellations visible from New England.

gilliland ObservatoryPublic viewings are free, thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute. Weather permitting: 617-589-0267.

Friday Evening StargazingFridays; 8:30 – 10:00 p.m.Our rooftop telescopes give you spectacular live views of stars, planets, lunar craters, and more.

Dynamic EarthSee the inner workings of Earth’s climate system by following the trail of energy from the Sun through the atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere.

Explore the Universe: live! Leave the Earth behind and blast off to explore our solar system, the Milky Way, and beyond. Journey through the cosmos with a Planetarium educator as your star pilot.

Undiscovered Worlds: The Search Beyond Our SunThe discovery of exoplanets—the hundreds of known planets that orbit stars beyond the Sun—may lead us closer to finding an Earth-like world. Produced by the Museum of Science.

The Sky Tonight: live!Find planets, stars, and constellations visible from New England with an astronomy expert as your guide. It’s the next best thing to being out under the stars!

2013 and 2014 tanzania Safaris

Imagine exploring Africa’s spectacular wildlife with Museum educators and experienced guides Ken Pauley and Lucy Kirshner. These unforgettable safaris include the Ngorongoro’s breathtaking caldera, Tarangire National Park, and the magnificent wildebeest migration across the Serengeti. Each trip is limited to 12 travelers, and spaces fill quickly. Reserve your spot today!

• January 18 – 31, 2013 (sold out)

• June 22 – July 4, 2013 (itinerary includes Lake Natron)

• January 2014

• To discuss the options or to reserve a spot, contact Joan Hadly at 617-589-0324, Ken Pauley at 978-635-3794, or Evan Ruhwedel at 1-800-235-0289 or evan@thomsonsafaris.com.

• For more information: web.kenpauley.com.

exhibit hallsFor more information: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/exhibits.

last Chance! lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern ScienceThrough Monday, September 3How does modern science illuminate our understanding of the ancient past? Use the tools and technology of archaeologists to explore the mysteries of Egypt’s history, culture, and people.

new! SHiPWrECK! Pirates & TreasureSunday, September 23 – Sunday, March 3 Bring history to life! Hear stories of ocean adventure and discover amazing treasures, including priceless artifacts from a real Civil War-era shipwreck.

Math Moves! Experiencing ratio and ProportionExperience the mathematical concept of ratio—play with colorful shadows, walk half as fast as a friend, or move your hands to make a pitch change. Geared toward visitors ages 6 – 12 and their families.

Butterfly GardenExplore a living exhibit filled with sunlight, plants, and free-flying butterflies. Timed tickets required. Discounts available for members.

Coming Soon! Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the ice AgeSunday, October 7 – Sunday, January 13Journey back in time to roam among these Ice Age giants.

FEATURED PRESENTATION

Live presentations are offered throughout the day every day in the Exhibit Halls. For current schedules: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/daily.

Science Magic! Showtimes: mos.org/daily“Science is magic that works,” according to Kurt Vonnegut. What did he mean? Find out as you learn the science behind popular magic tricks.

new! Destination: StationWednesday, August 1 – Monday, September 3Explore the story of the International Space Station: how it united 15 countries, how it operates, and the role it plays in our everyday lives.

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Mugar Omni theaterFeaturing New England’s only IMAX® Dome screen. For showtimes, tickets, and a complete list of films now playing: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org. Service charge waived for members. Shows run approximately 50 minutes.

Sponsored by

FEATURED FILMS

New! Born to be WildTransport yourself around the globe to encounter orphaned orangutans and elephants and meet the extraordinary people who rescue them. Narrated by Morgan Freeman.

To The ArcticVenture across floating ice with a mother polar bear and her two cubs as they navigate the exquisite Arctic wilderness.

last Chance! Mummies: Secrets of the PharaohsThrough Monday, September 3Witness the discovery of 40 royal mummies, then join an Egyptologist and DNA specialists as they piece together the clues yielded by ancient kings.

3-D Digital Cinema Shows in Wright Theater. For showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org. Discounts available for members. 3-D shows run approximately 20 minutes.

New! Flying MonstersWatch prehistory’s largest flying creatures come to life in stunning detail. Join the pterosaurs as they rule the skies while dinosaurs roam below.

New! Space Junk Soar 22,000 miles above Earth amid a junkyard of orbiting debris. Witness mind-boggling collisions, and learn what can be done about our growing problem of human-made space trash.

September Sundays: A Free Opportunity for educators

September 23 and 30; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

What new Museum programs will support a teacher’s entire curriculum? September Sundays provide the answer!

Our Teacher Partners (and up to three guests each) are invited to a free day of fun, exploration, and learning, and we look to you, our members, to spread the word! Let the K – 12 teachers in your life know about this amazing opportunity to find out how the Museum can help teachers connect to education standards and enhance students’ educational experiences.

• Free admission for Exhibit Halls and up to two ticketed venues.

• To register: mos.org/educators.

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eventsFor more information: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/events.

College NightMonday, September 24; 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.The Museum welcomes students back to the city in style by offering a night of live presentations; Duck Tours; Omni, 3-D, and Planetarium shows; and more!

• Admission is free. Parking in the Museum garage is free. Valid college ID required.

• Timed tickets for films and presentations are available first come, first served.

Mars and BeyondSaturday, August 18 – Sunday, August 19; 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Explore the extremes of our solar system and galaxy during a weekend of live presentations, activities, and games. Meet scientists who design and work with space missions, and check in with Curiosity, the new rover expected to land on Mars in early August.

• Free with Exhibit Halls admission.

Photo courtesy of NASA

Adult OfferingsFor more information: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/events. Funded in part by the Barbara and Malcolm L. Sherman Fund for Adult Programs and by the David and Marion Ellis Endowment Fund.

Book Club for the CuriousThursday, September 13; 5:30 p.m.Feeling inquisitive? Looking for good conversation? Love science and books? The Book Club for the Curious is just the thing for you! Free and open to the public, these monthly book discussions focus on science, tech-nology, and their impact on society. Join us to discuss Gravity’s Engines: How Bubble-Blowing Black Holes Rule Galaxies, Stars, and Life in the Cosmos by Caleb Scharf.

• Location: Cambridge Innovation Center, One Broadway, 14th Floor, Cambridge, MA.

• Presented in partnership with the Cambridge Innovation Center.

World Wide Views on BiodiversitySaturday, September 15; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Apply to be part of a historic conversation! More than 3,500 citizens will meet at locations across the globe to deliberate and make recommendations for the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity. The Museum hosts the Massachusetts discussion.

The Museum will also lead a network of US science centers in extending the conversations. Look for public events including downloadable biodiversity tours, activities, opportunities to meet scientists, and a special biodiversity day on Sunday, November 18!

• For more information and to apply: mos.org/forum

Connected i: Simplexity & Our internal landscapesFriday, September 28; 7:00 p.m.Does DNA determine our destiny? Where do personality, memory, and emotion reside? Join Sebastian Seung, MIT professor of neuroscience and author of Connectome: How the Brain’s Wiring Makes Us Who We Are, Tiffany Shlain, the filmmaker behind the award-winning documen-tary Connected: An Autoblogography About Love, Death & Technology, Dr. Jack Shonkoff, director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, and others for a mind-expanding inquiry into human biology and the influence of environment, experience, and culture.

• Free, thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute.

• Advance registration for members begins at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 12: mos.org/events. Registration for the general public begins September 14.

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take a Segway® tour!

Discover the science behind the sights on the only tour developed by Museum staff and powered by Segway of Boston.

• Fee: $60 for members; $65 for general public.

• Tickets: 617-723-2500, mos.org, or the Museum box office.

• Some restrictions apply. For departure times and more information: mos.org.

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Member tips

Continue the fun of learning all year long at the Museum of Science! These helpful hints will make your visit go smoothly:

BEFOrE yOU ArriVE• Reserve your tickets a few days in advance. We’ll waive the

handling fees and save your place. Call 617-723-2500 or visit mos.org.

• Arrive at least one hour before any scheduled show to allow time to park. Late entries to timed shows are not permitted.

PArKiNG• Museum parking is first come, first served. Avoid peak

times by arriving before 10:30 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m.

• If the Museum garage fills up and closes temporarily, parking is available at the CambridgeSide Galleria and the TD Garden, but Museum member parking discounts apply only in the Museum garage.

WHilE yOU’rE HErE• Visit the member specialists at the Membership Booth,

open daily 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., to renew or upgrade your membership, purchase show tickets, and find out about upcoming member events.

exclusive Member eventsFor more information, use the numbers and addresses listed below or contact: 617-589-0180, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/members.

Member Appreciation NightSunday, September 9; 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.We’re opening the Exhibit Halls in your honor! Members enjoy exclusive access to the Exhibit Halls, complimentary tickets to the Butterfly Garden and 3-D Digital Cinema, and free parking. Join us for a FREE evening full of fun, prizes, and surprises.

• Free. No reservations required; simply check in with your valid membership card.

• Entrance is limited to the number of admissions permitted with your membership level.

• Parking in the Museum garage is complimentary.

• Butterfly Garden tickets are available first come, first served.

Save the Date! Member OvernightFriday, November 30

Member Preview SHiPWrECK! Pirates & Treasure Saturday, September 22; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Members get the first look at our newest temporary exhibit that combines history, science, and technology in an exciting and educational experience. Astonishing stories of extraordinary shipwrecks come to life with interactive elements and real-life treasure displays.

• Member admission is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions permitted with your membership level.

• Be sure to bring your valid membership card with you.

Member Halloween PartyTicket sales begin in September.Saturday, October 27; 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.Frightfully fun adventures await you in the haunted halls of the Museum of Science! We’re brewing up an evening of tricks, treats, and mayhem for this year’s members-only Halloween Party.

What spooky surprises lurk within our wings? Haunt our halls in your finest freaky fashion and compete for fabulous prizes in our costume contest, judged by Museum staff. Bring along your sweet tooth and prepare for a night filled with family fun, activities, prizes—and a good scare.

• Tickets go on sale for Discoverers, Explorers, and Premier Level members Tuesday, September 11; Basic Level members Thursday, September 13.

• Member-rate tickets are limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions permitted with your membership level. Members may bring additional guests for an additional cost.

• Be sure to bring your valid membership card with you.

• To purchase tickets: 617-723-2500, mos.org.

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The Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs receive important support from individual members and donors like you. Additional support provided by:

The Massachusetts Cultural Council

Media Partner

Museum of Science 617-723-2500 617-589-0417 (TTY) mos.org

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The Museum of Science gratefully acknowledges the support of our Premier Partners:

What’s going on in the green Wing?

Beginning in late August, the Museum will start building a brand-new 10,000-square-foot exhibit on human biology!

The Hall of Human Life, the third major project made possible by The Campaign for the Museum of Science (following the state-of-the-art Sophia and Bernard M. Gordon Wing and the Charles Hayden Planetarium renovation) is expected to open in late 2013 and will explore what it means to be human through the lenses of anatomy, evolution, and the environment. Using high-tech interactive components, visitors will come to understand that humans are changing biologically in the context of changing environments.

As a result of the Hall of Human Life construction, the Green Wing, Level 2 will be closed for major renovations.

here are some helpful tips to plan your visit after August 27:

• looking for your favorite Human Body Connection demonstrations? They’re now on wheels! Look for special interpreter carts throughout the Exhibit Halls. These interpreter-led mini science demonstrations will offer a variety of human biology activities, including dissections and physiology measurements.

• The Cotton-Top Tamarins have moved. They will reside temporarily in the Live Animal Center (Red Wing, Lower Level). See them, as well as dozens of other animals, up close through the Center’s viewing windows.

• The Chick Hatchery has also moved to Take a Closer Look (Blue Wing, Lower Level).

• look for large signs throughout the building indicating how to get to your next destination. During construction, some stairways or elevators may be unavailable, so we will help you find detours.

• Entry to temporary exhibits, including Lost Egypt and Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age, will be via the Red Wing. We will post signs to assist you.

• look for exhibit details, construction updates, and Campaign information in upcoming issues of Sparks and at mos.org.