Ways to create stellar memories for your children and family

Although we’re taught to “never say never,” I probably will never be one to travel to space. Years ago, I would have followed that thought with a shrug and moved on about my day, but today I find myself a bit disappointed that my dream of growing up to be an astronaut was extremely short-lived, if lived at all.

I recently saw the film “Gravity,” and I found myself more thankful for the sci-fi film genre. Films such as “Gravity,” “Moon,” and “Europa Report,” along with the classics “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” transport the audience to a place the majority of us will never experience first hand: space.

However, with the advancement of technology and fundamental curiosity, we have been able to see photos of the outermost layer of the Milky Way Galaxy, have investigated the climate and geology of Mars and have begun searching for another Earth within a sky of the Cygnus constellation. We truly are only in the beginning of space exploration, despite our first landing on the moon more than 40 years ago. The fact remains that exploring the immensity of space is just like opening a surprise gift bag, and we’ve only begun to tug at the bow tying the handles together.

To continue our research and exploration, it’s critical to spark the curiosity of the young minds around us; children must be given an introduction to the augustness of space. Otherwise, who will have the fortitude and knowledge to travel to the cosmos in the future?

Thankfully there are several options in the Shreveport-Bossier City area for one to take advantage of when introducing child(ren) to the wonders of space.

For the youngest generation of learners, “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” will clearly define the difference between earth and the moon. The 20-minute planetarium show follows Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from Zhima Jie (the Chinese co-production of “Sesame Street”). Their imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon allows them to discover how different it is from Earth. While watching the show, children can draw constellations and count the time it takes the sun to set. It’s a simple presentation that will nurture a child’s natural sense of wonder about the night sky.

Another opportunity for exploring space with your family is by attending a Star Party, hosted by either the Shreveport-Bossier Astronomical Society or Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center. Star Parties allow the public to interact with cosmic enthusiasts and view constellations by way of powerful telescopes. (There are even telescopes that allow you to look directly at the sun. Who would have thought?) These parties happen either at the Ralph A. Worley Observatory, located eight miles south of Shreveport on Highway 175, or at the Sawyer Space Dome Planetarium located within Sci-Port on the downtown Shreveport riverfront. All ages are welcome to attend these events, and most are at a minimal cost to your family. You can learn more by visiting shreveportastronomy.com or sciport.org.

There’s also the option of simply learning at home. Your backyard puts you front row to several wellknown constellations, each of which accompanied by an incredibly detailed and interesting story. In March, Shreveport-Bossier City’s night sky includes the constellations of Gemini and Orion, among others.

According to Greek legend, the constellation Gemini (which is Latin for the word “twins”) depicts twin brothers Castor and Pollux. Castor was a skilled warrior, while Pollux was a champion boxer and runner. Both loved games and sports, but more importantly, they really loved each other, despite Pollux being immortal and Castor a mortal. After finishing two dangerous but successful journeys, the twins came home, and each fell in love with a young woman. The women, however, were already engaged, and the girls’ fiancés challenged the twins to a fight. Castor and Pollux won, but Castor was fatally wounded. Heartbroken about his brother dying, Pollux made an agreement with Zeus, the king of the Greek gods and goddesses. He and Castor would both be made immortal and roam the skies forever as an example of the love and devotion of brothers.

Constellation Orion, also known as “The Hunter,” is a masterful hunter who is accompanied by his two dogs Canis Major and Canis Minor (Big Dog and Small Dog, respectively). Orion was one of the few mortal men who hunted with Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt. Extremely popular and everboastful of his handsome looks and superb hunting skills, Orion claimed he could kill every animal on earth and set out to fulfill this goal. To protect the animals, Artemis sent Scorpio the scorpion to stop Orion. A great battle ensued between Orion and Scorpio; Scorpio killed Orion in battle and later died from wounds inflicted in the battle. The two were then memorialized on opposite of sides of the sky. Every winter, Orion hunts in the night sky, but every summer he hides in the sunlight for fear of Scorpio.

The stories of Gemini and Orion are just the beginning for you and your budding astronomer. Learn more at stardate.org, and consider attending a stellar event in Shreveport-Bossier City with your family. You never know what dreams these experiences might spark for our future generation of scientists.