Pacific Science Center News for the latter part of Feb 2010

The following is posted on behalf of the Pacific Science Center:

Facing Mars Exhibit Raises Questions:

One of the hottest issues being debated in the nation's capitol these days concerns funding for human space flight (nytimes.com), and in particular, our country's plans to return to the moon. But what about humans traveling to Mars? Many questions arise when you look to the Red Planet, and you are asked them when you enter our newest exhibit, Facing Mars. Would you go? In a thought-provoking article, Seattle Astronomy Examiner Greg Scheiderer takes a look at some of the political, economic and ethical questions raised by the exhibit. Questions that take on added significance as our country deals with related issues here on our favorite planet.

Facing Mars is sponsored by Bing® and is accompanied by a wonderful IMAX film all about the Mars Rovers that have been in the news lately. Roving Mars is now showing and you will see a full-size replica of a Mars Rover as you enter I just inside the entrance to Building 4.

Hello? Mars?:

So, if humans do travel to Mars, how long will it take to get a phone call out there? And what about going online, email and other network communications? Would astronauts headed to the Red Planet be able to update their Facebook status? Some good questions tackled by Pacific Science Center Planetarium Specialist Alice Enevoldsen on her Alice's AstroInfo Blog.

Avatar Ending, Tickets On Sale For Alice/Hubble:

What is easily the biggest film to come out in many years is still attracting thousands to Pacific Science Center's Boeing IMAX Theater. It's easy to understand why. James Cameron's Avatar is an instant classic, setting new standards in sci-fi, special effects and visual storytelling. But until you've seen it and felt it on the biggest IMAX screen in the Northwest, you haven't really experienced this remarkable film as it was intended. So, make your plans now to see Avatar: An IMAX 3D Experience before it ends March 2. Get your tickets online before coming to the theater to ensure you have a seat.

What's Next?

The next big IMAX blockbuster is a retelling of a classic tale. From Walt Disney Pictures and visionary director Tim Burton comes the epic 3D fantasy adventure Alice in Wonderland An IMAX 3D Experience, a magical and imaginative twist on one of the most beloved stories of all time. In this version, a 19-year-old Alice returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen's reign of terror. It all begins March 5.

Hubble 3D

Not long after Alice opens another great IMAX film arrives. Through the power of IMAX 3D, Hubble 3D will take you to distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA's history. Tickets for both films are on sale now!

Complete information for these and other events at PSC can be found at:  http://pacsci.org/