SCI plans Apollo anniversary events throughout July and August

On July 20, 1969, humans first set foot on the Moon. Now, 50 years later, the Science Center of Iowa is planning a series of events to commemorate this historic event and encourage Iowans to dream big about the future of space exploration.

"The Apollo program sparked a fascination with space for generations to come," said Curt Simmons, SCI president and CEO. "The 50^th anniversary gives us a chance to ignite that interest in the next generation. It’s a true embodiment of our mission – to engage and inspire Iowans along their journey of lifelong science learning."

Events start today and go through the end of August. For more information on these events, visit www.sciowa.org/apollo50

Tuesday, July 9

• Café Scientifique: Preparing for Liftoff  |  6:00-7:30 pm
  NASA Solar System Ambassador Dan Hoy will share insight into the pre-Apollo programs that laid the foundation for Moon missions. Apollo-era memorabilia will be on display. Event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, July 16

• Global Rocket Launch|  9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  SCI will participate in the worldwide celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch by coordinating mass rocket launches at 9:32 am, 11:32 am, 1:32 pm and 3:32 pm. Activities are included with SCI general admission ($13 for adults, $9 for children 2-12 and seniors 65+).

Friday, July 19

• Mixology Night: Moon Landing|  5:30-9:00 pm
  This 21+ event will give adults the chance to celebrate the Moon landing with a variety of activities and challenges. Twisted Vine Brewery also will premiere a new craft beer, the Van Allen Belt IPA. Activities are included with Mixology admission ($7 per person).

Saturday, July 20

• Apollo 50 Anniversary Celebration  |  9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  Visitors will be able to test their brains, bodies and creativity with a Mission Checklist Challenge featuring hands-on games and activities. A time-synced video of the first step on the Moon will be shown at 3:00 pm. Activities are included with SCI general admission ($13 for adults, $9 for children 2-12 and seniors 65+).
• Film Premiere: “Live From the Moon”|  5:30-7:00 pm
  Discover how Iowa’s own Collins Radio Company, now Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, played a vital role in the communications, telemetry and navigation systems that were used during Apollo 11 and the following missions. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased online at www.sciowa.org/apollo50
• Star Party at SCI|  8:00-10:00 pm
  Observe the Moon, planets and other celestial objects through high-powered telescopes. This month’s Star Party will take place on SCI’s south lawn, weather permitting. Event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, August 13

• Café Scientifique: Live From the Moon  |  6:00-7:30 pm
  Representatives from Collins Radio Company will introduce a new documentary, “Live From the Moon,” which details the vital role their equipment played in the communications, telemetry and navigation systems that were used during Apollo 11 and the following missions. The film will be screened following the presentation. Event is free and open to the public.

Friday, August 23

• SCI’s Big Blast  |  6:30-11:00 pm
  The Science Center of Iowa’s annual fundraising gala, SCI’s Big Blast, is “blasting off” this year in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Tickets are $150 per person; $225 per couple.

For more information on these events, visit www.sciowa.org/apollo50