For Immediate Release:
Contact: Richard Lake, CSN Public Relations Specialist, 702-651-7715, Richard.Lake@csn.edu
CSN Planetarium Joins White House Astronomy Night
The Oct. 19 event will bring children, scientists together for fun and education
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 15, 2015 – For the first time, the College of Southern Nevada Planetarium will join scientists, engineers and astronomers from across the country for the White House Astronomy Night on Oct. 19.
The event, which is free and open to the public, aims to bring young people together with scientists who will share their experiences and answer questions. The Planetarium will also be open for free shows.
“CSN is home to the only public planetarium in Southern Nevada. We are proud to participate for the first time in this national event and to be a place where our youth can come and develop a lifelong passion for science and space,” said CSN President Michael Richards.
The first Astronomy Night occurred in 2009 on the South Lawn of the White House. It has since grown to include satellite events at observatories, schools, planetariums, museums, and astronomy clubs nationwide. This fall semester, staff members from the Office of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid approached CSN about participating.
“Science, technology and innovation are increasingly important to our economic well-being and quality of life,” Reid said. “We must ensure that Nevadans are prepared to continue leading the world in innovation, research, and technology. Space exploration motivates and inspires us in ways that very few things do.”
CSN will have professional and amateur astronomers on hand to lend their expertise – and their telescopes – to participants. Members of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society are expected to attend.
What: White House Astronomy Night
Where: CSN Planetarium, on the Cheyenne campus
When: 7-10 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19
About CSN:
Founded in 1971 and educating thousands of students a semester, the College of Southern Nevada (csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN students can choose from over 150 degree and certificate options in more than 90 areas of study, including 25 degree and certificate programs available entirely online. Students create flexible, personalized schedules, including day, evening, and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada. CSN — your future starts here. CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://www.csn.edu/nondiscrimination
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