'Orbit the globe' during free Family Day Published Feb. 3, 2015 By Sarah Swan National Museum of the U.S. Air Force DAYTON, Ohio -- Commemorate the birthdays of Galileo and Copernicus and the anniversary of the launch of the U.S. Air Force's first GPS satellite by learning about astronomy and satellites during Family Day from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Visitors can see a scale model of the solar system (beginning in the lobby through the length of the museum); learn why satellites spin, how a GPS unit works and how an object orbits the planet; and play a version of ping-pong that demonstrates the path of a falling object. "Storytime" begins at 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. in the Early Years Gallery. Preschool and primary-grade children are invited to sit under the wings of airplanes to hear the story of "Sammy the Satellite" and then make a paper satellite. A special presentation on spy satellites, titled "Eyes in the Sky," will take place in the STEM Learning Node near the Space Shuttle Exhibit from 1:30-2:30 p.m. During this month's Aerospace Adventure from 1:30-3 p.m. in the event area next to the Korean War Gallery, participants can make their own satellite from recycled materials. The event is free, and visitors of all ages may participate in these aviation-related activities located throughout the museum galleries. No advanced reservations are necessary. Call the Education Division at (937) 255-4646 for additional information. Also on Feb. 21, the Air Force Museum Theatre will show Hidden Universe at noon and 3 p.m. for a special price of $5, a $3 savings off the regular ticket price. Visit www.afmuseum.com/attractions/familyday for more information. The theatre is operated by the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., a Section 501(c)(3) private, non-profit organization that assists the Air Force in the development and expansion of the facilities of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world's largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year about one million visitors from around the world come to the museum. For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil. NOTE TO PUBLIC: For more information, please contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Education Division at (937) 255-4646. NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information, please contact Sarah Swan at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Division at (937) 255-1283.