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 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Feb. 20 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 stories about the moon and make their own paper craft. A limited number of books will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis during each storytime, through the generosity of the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. and PNC Foundation. (No federal endorsement implied.)
You can find out more about the museum’s spy satellite displays from an expert on the topic from 1-3 p.m. in the Cold War Gallery.
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.
All activities are free, and no advanced reservations are necessary. Call the Education Division at (937) 255-4646 for additional information.
The National Aviation Hall of Fame, which is located within the museum, will offer several free activities as well.
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 19 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.