Tuesday 20 March 2012
NASA exhibition at Guernsey Museum
Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery has been granted permission by NASA, the American space agency, to exhibit 'From Earth to the Solar System', which is part of NASA's celebration of 'The Year of the Solar System'.
This exhibition of NASA images shows how far humanity has come in exploring Earth's local neighbourhood. The Sun, eight planets, more than a hundred moons, plus thousands of comets, asteroids and several dwarf planets make up our Solar System. The pictures were taken by space probes, large telescopes and even backyard astronomers. Some were made from images taken by infra‐red cameras or using radar. Other pictures have been made by combining computer based information.
Museums Director Dr Jason Monaghan said:
"As a boy I was fascinated by astronomy so it has been a real thrill to be able to put this exhibition together. The success of TV programmes such as 'Stargazing Live' shows that astronomy can be cool. We hope that the exhibition will be of special interest to school science classes and to all those who wonder what is 'out there' and whether there is life beyond our planet."
As part of its 40th anniversary this year, the Astronomy Section of La Société Guernesiaise is also marking the occasion by running a number of lectures and star‐gazing events to coincide with the exhibition.
'From Earth to the Solar System' is open from Saturday 31 March until 13 May between 10am and 5pm daily. It is accompanied by a foyer display marking 25 years since the Falklands War, and Time warp Titanic continues in the Discovery Room. Admission to the museum is just £5.75 for adults, £4.75 for Senior Citizens, £12 for families and £1.50 for children. A season ticket allows entry to all the exhibitions planned for 2012, plus the Castle and Fort Grey museums.
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Note to media:
Guernsey Museums & Galleries is grateful for permission from NASA to stage this exhibition and also for the invaluable assistance of the Astronomy Section of La Société Guernesiaise. NASA images are available for use by the media in conjunction with this press release, provided appropriate picture credits are given. Please contact Jason Monaghan, Museums Director for details.
Contact information:
Jason Monaghan, Museums Director
Tel: 709702
E‐mail: Jason.monaghan@cultureleisure.gov.gg
