Stunning New View of Andromeda Galaxy Showcased at Science Museum of Virginia
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RICHMOND, Va. — The Science Museum of Virginia is set to offer an unprecedented glimpse into the cosmos this weekend, featuring the moast comprehensive survey of the Andromeda Galaxy to date. This groundbreaking event promises to captivate both astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike.
CBS 6 recently sat down with Justin Bartel, the museum’s assistant director of education for astronomy programs, inside “The Dome” at the museum on West Broad Street in Richmond. Bartel provided insights into the significance of the newly released image, which was compiled over a decade using the hubble Space Telescope.
“It was released for a couple of reasons,” Bartel explained. “Primarily becuase it’s the 100th anniversary of us figuring out how big the universe is.The Andromeda Galaxy was the first one that astronomers measured the distance to — and prior to 1925, they were debating whether the Milky Way was all that there was or whether there were other things in the universe. Andromeda helped us figure it out.”
The Andromeda Galaxy, the farthest object visible to the naked eye, appears as a fuzzy cigar shape in the sky. This new mosaic, stitched together from 600 photos, showcases over 200 million stars. Bartel will deploy “The Dome’s” massive screen to explore this mosaic at its full resolution, offering visitors a detailed and immersive experience.
“I think it’s just a reminder that we’re part of something larger, right?” Bartel explained. “This is a whole separate galaxy. It’s an area of active study, and we’re finding that all throughout the andromeda Galaxy new stars are forming.Stars are burning out.”
Thanks to “The Dome’s” advanced digital technology, visitors can also track the path of Asteroid 2024 YR4, which scientists warn has a 2 percent chance of hitting Earth in seven years. This dual focus on both the distant Andromeda Galaxy and the perhaps hazardous asteroid underscores the museum’s commitment to both educational and practical astronomy.
Tickets for the live universe exploration shows,scheduled for 12 p.m. over the President’s Day holiday weekend, can be purchased at SMV.org.
Key Points Summary
| Event | Details |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Science Museum of virginia, Richmond, va. |
| Date | President’s Day holiday weekend |
| Showing Time | 12 p.m. |
| Galaxy Featured | Andromeda Galaxy |
| Astronomical Data | Compiled over a decade using Hubble Space Telescope |
| stars in Mosaic | Over 200 million stars |
| additional Feature | Tracking of Asteroid 2024 YR4 |
| Ticket Purchase | Available at SMV.org |
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Additional Insights
For those interested in a more immersive experience, consider visiting the Science Museum of Virginia. The museum offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting to explore the wonders of the universe, this event promises to be both enlightening and awe-inspiring.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the beauty and complexity of the cosmos right here in Richmond. Secure your tickets today and join us for a journey through the stars!
A Universe of Wonders Awaits at the Science Museum of Virginia
CBS 6’s Elizabeth Vargas sits down with Bartel, the science Museum of Virginia, to discuss their upcoming live universe exploration shows during President’s Day weekend.
CBS 6: Elizabeth vargas
Bartel, thanks for joining us. This President’s Day weekend, the Science Museum of Virginia is offering a engaging look at the cosmos. Can you tell us more about this event?
Bartel
Absolutely! We’re thrilled to be hosting live universe exploration shows in our dome theater. This isn’t just any planetarium show; it’s a unique experience we’ve crafted around a specific data set – a breathtaking mosaic of over 200 million stars collected over a decade using the Hubble Space Telescope.
CBS 6: Elizabeth vargas
Wow,200 million stars! That’s remarkable. What makes this show so special?
Bartel
We’re showcasing the Andromeda Galaxy, our closest galactic neighbor. It’s just a breathtaking sight to behold on such a massive scale. “I think it’s just a reminder that we’re part of something larger,” Bartel explained. “This is a whole separate galaxy. It’s an area of active study, and we’re finding that all throughout the Andromeda Galaxy new stars are forming.Stars are burning out.” We want to inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the vastness and beauty of the universe right here in Richmond.
CBS 6: Elizabeth Vargas
And you’re not just focusing on the distant Andromeda galaxy, right? There’s something more imminent happening that the show will explore?
Bartel
You’re right. We’re also tracking the path of Asteroid 2024 YR4, which scientists warn has a 2 percent chance of hitting Earth in seven years. This dual focus on both the distant Andromeda Galaxy and the perhaps hazardous asteroid underscores the museum’s commitment to both educational and practical astronomy.
CBS 6: Elizabeth Vargas
It sounds like a truly remarkable experience. What can people expect from the shows?
Bartel
It’s an immersive, interactive experience. We’ll have experts sharing knowledge about both the Andromeda Galaxy and Asteroid 2024 YR4, guiding viewers through the wonders of deep space while highlighting the importance of understanding and monitoring near-Earth objects.
CBS 6: Elizabeth Vargas
That’s fascinating. Where can people buy tickets for the shows?
Bartel
Tickets for the live presentations, scheduled for 12 p.m. over the President’s Day holiday weekend, can be purchased at SMV.org.
CBS 6: Elizabeth Vargas
Thank you, Bartel, for sharing this exciting event with our viewers. For those who want to learn more about the wonders of the universe, be sure to check out the Science Museum of Virginia this President’s Day weekend.
This special exhibit promises a captivating journey through the cosmos, combining scientific knowledge with awe-inspiring visuals.