"Galaxy Ride" Adler Planetarium team unfolds the mysteries of space on the Lincoln Public Library lawn

[September 26, 2015]  LINCOLN - Chicago’s Adler Planetarium decided to send a team on the road from Chicago to St. Louis to bring the story of space to the public rather than have people travel to Chicago. And they did it in an unusual way. Dr. Lucianne Walkowicz, an astronomer at the Adler and a dedicated bike rider, jumped on her bike and pedaled down old Route 66 bringing the wonders of space to communities along the way.

The Galaxy Ride road show set up shop at the Lincoln Public Library Tuesday evening. Over 80 kids and their parents attended the demonstrations on the lawn of the Lincoln Public Library. There was a lot to learn.

A telescope with a special safety filter was set up so people could get a glimpse of the sun before it set. The sun is the earth’s closest star.

Then there was the roll of toilet paper and a leaf blower demonstration that had the kids yelling with delight.

Dr. Walkowcz used a bowling ball to demonstrate the effects of a black hole on the objects caught in its gravitational field. She also explained how the gigantic black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy was discovered.

Lucianne and her team of Adler professionals Taryn, Christina, David, and Kyle were having as much fun as the kids and their parents. They brought the mystery and excitement of space exploration to the lawn of the Lincoln Public Library.

Library Youth Director Melissa Oxborrow used her gatherings of children during the day on Tuesday to talk about the evening’s space party.

All of the families received information on the Adler Planetarium and free passes.

The Adler Planetarium has a website (www.adlerplanetarium) and Facebook page (fb.com/adlerpalnetarium) where information on current and future exhibits can be found. Check out their Twitter feed at @adlerplanet also.

[Curt Fox]