NCAR News Release

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2002-MA7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 16, 2002

NCAR Happenings: Fall 2002

BOULDER—The National Center for Atmospheric Research will offer a full slate of free public activities every day this fall, before the start of renovations this winter. The NCAR Visitor Center will be closed for about four months of refurbishment starting December 1, 2002. For remodeling updates, call the recorded information line at 303-497-1174 or see the Web site at www.ucar.edu/ucar/visitucar.html.

Improvements to the Mesa Lab have already begun and, during fall 2002, the front entrance is closed for construction. Signs are posted to direct visitors to the alternate entry, just south of the main entrance. The Visitor Center is always wheelchair accessible.

Here is a listing of free public activities at NCAR's Mesa Lab Visitor Center for the period September 1–November 30, 2002. NCAR's address is 1850 Table Mesa Drive, the west end of Table Mesa Drive, in Boulder. Contact information is provided with each listing. Photo information is provided at the end of the release.

Event

Super Science Saturday: Halloween is for Science!
October 26, 2002
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
NCAR's Mesa Laboratory

1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder (at the west end of Table Mesa Drive)

If it's October it must be time for Super Science Saturday, returning to NCAR's Mesa Lab with "Halloween is for Science!" The annual event offers science fun for students of all ages, parents, and teachers. The day's events typically include live demonstrations of fantastic phenomena by NCAR's science wizards, workshops offering tips on science photography or getting started on science-fair projects, and a wealth of hands-on activities. When weather permits, participants can also expect weather balloon launches from NCAR's mobile weather van. The hands-on activities are sponsored by Collage Children's Museum, the Wild Bear School, University of Colorado Science Discovery, and other science outreach programs.

NCAR's Visitor Center will be open all day, including science exhibits, art galleries, and the NCAR Science Store, which features science kits, books for all age levels, and unique NCAR-themed items. Lunch and snacks will be on sale in the cafeteria.

Super Science Saturday Information: 303-497-1185

On the Web: Super Science Saturday schedule NCAR's Visitor Center

NCAR Art Galleries

The Community Art Program at the National Center for Atmospheric Research offers changing displays by regional artists. Free. Open weekdays 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and weekends and holidays 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Gallery 1

September 1–29	Pastel Landscapes, George Good
October 2–November 1	Photography, John Weller
November 3–30	Photography, Robert Koropp

Gallery II

September 2–October 26	Pastels, Julia Benke
November 3–30	Pastels, Gretchen Acharya

Gallery Information: Contact Linda Carbone at 303-497-1185, lcarbone@ucar.edu

 

On the Web: NCAR Community Art Program

Museums and Tours

NCAR's Mesa Lab is a working research laboratory that welcomes the public to its Visitor Center seven days a week throughout the fall. Admission is free. The building and weather trail are wheelchair accessible.

Visit soon, because NCAR's public space will be closed for refurbishment starting December 1, 2002. The grand reopening in spring 2003 will spotlight a new exhibit on our changing climate.

Guided noontime tours are offered daily, including weekends and holidays, throughout the fall. No reservations are necessary for individuals and families. Self-guided tours are available during building hours: weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; weekends and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Schools and other organized groups need to reserve a specific time other than noon, in advance, by calling 303-497-1173.

Visitors will discover interactive, hands-on exhibits about weather and climate, a video introducing NCAR and the world of atmospheric research, and two art galleries with changing displays. Outside, the weather trail is dotted with signs linking weather phenomena to the surrounding environment. The Mesa Lab itself is a popular attraction with its unique design by architect I.M. Pei and breathtaking views of Boulder's Flatiron Mountains and the city below. Lunch and snacks are available in the cafeteria on weekdays.

NCAR's Science Store is packed with educational and souvenir items for exploring not only weather and climate, but the wide world of nature and the sciences. Examples include

• books for all ages, from picture books to field guides to works by NCAR scientists
• videos and DVDs, from IMAX features to selections from The Magic School Bus series
• help for hikers, including local trail maps, sunscreen, and single-use, recyclable cameras
• science kits for building a weather station, making lightning, or exploring the stars
• jewelry, solar-powered or radio-controlled watches, and a GPS wristwatch
• NCAR apparel (T-shirts, vests, hats) in sizes from toddlers to adults

Tour information: 303-497-1174

 

On the Web: Go to www.ucar.edu and click on "visit us"

NCAR is managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, a consortium of more than 65 universities offering Ph.D.s in atmospheric and related sciences.