Astronomy Festival
Thu, July 13, 10:30am-1:30pm, Botetourt Family YMCA (Daleville)
The huge, inflatable planetarium StarLab is back this year with an all-new experience! While you’re waiting for your turn in the StarLab, enjoy astronomy-themed crafts and experiments from constellation string art to planet sizes. Learn about the planets, stargazing apps, citizen sciences opportunities, and how a Botetourt company supports NASA. Recommended for families.
…But, Aliens
Thu, July 13, 6-7pm, Buchanan Library
Your Uncle Jimmy has seen one, but NASA can’t find a trace. Learn about the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, the Fermi Paradox, and the challenges of interstellar travel (plus some special tips for citizen research) with astronomer Josh Urban. Recommended for adults and teens 14+.
Movie: Gravity (PG)
Tue, July 18, 11am, Eagle Rock Library
Wed, July 19, 11am, Blue Ridge Library
Fri, July 21, 11am, Fincastle Library
Two astronauts work together to survive after an accident leaves them stranded in space.
The Moon, Musk, and Mars
Thu, July 20, 6-7pm, Blue Ridge Library
While visiting another star is (currently) impossible, humanity has set its sights on returning to the Moon. Elon Musk even wants to go to Mars. Can we make the leap to another planet? Join astronomer Josh Urban for an exciting discussion of space travel, a look at the moon through a telescope (weather permitting) and hear how an astronaut stuck Josh with an $80 lunch bill. Recommended for adults and teens 14+.
Moon Day Celebration: Phases of the Moon
Thu, July 20, 3-4pm, all branches
The moon fully orbits around Earth about once every month. During its orbit, we can see the moon in different phases. The phases are controlled by the amount of sunlight reflected off the moon. Join us for a fun children’s craft using Oreo cookies to visualize the phases of the moon.
Stargazing Basics
Fri, July 21, 8:30pm, Blue Ridge Park
On this evening, the crescent moon will be ideally situated along with a bright crescent Venus. Astronomy can seem daunting for beginners, but stargazing doesn’t have to be hard. Members of Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society will be onsite with a variety of telescopes to try out and to teach you how to identify planets, star clusters, and constellations during the summer months. Recommended for all ages.
Summer Learning Challenge: Find Your Place in Time and Space
Through Aug 5th
Earn brag tags and tickets for amazing prizes with this reading challenge, activities and events all summer long! Pick up your events calendar at any library location and get ready to launch into summer!
See our calendar at BOCOLibraries.info for more great events.