NCAR News Release

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2002-MA1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 1, 2002

NCAR Happenings: Summer 2002

BOULDER—Here is a listing of free public activities sponsored by the National Center for Atmospheric Research for the period June 1–September 1, 2002. NCAR is located at the west end of Table Mesa Drive in Boulder.

During summer and fall 2002 (May through November), the front entrance of the Mesa Lab will be closed for refurbishment. Signs will direct visitors to the alternate entry, just south of the main entrance, and wheelchair access will continue as before.

Contact information is provided with each listing. Photo information is provided at the end of the release.

NCAR Art Galleries

The art galleries at the National Center for Atmospheric Research Visitor Center offer 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 I

June 1–30	Watercolors, Anne-Marie Gordon-Leon
July 1–30	Photography, Brad Kaminski
August 4–30	Portraiture, Dan Frazier

Gallery II

June 1–30	Watercolors, Tanya Haynes
July 1–August 31	Pastels, Riva Sweetrocket

Gallery Information: Contact Linda Carbone at 303-497-1185, lcarbone@ucar.edu; or visit the Web site for NCAR Community Art Program previews.

Museums and Tours

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

Guided noontime tours are offered daily, including weekends and holidays, throughout the summer. 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, two art galleries with changing displays, and an outdoor weather trail with breathtaking views of Boulder's Flatiron Mountains and the city below. The Mesa Lab itself is a popular attraction with its unique design by architect I.M. Pei. 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
• 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 watches, and the world's first GPS wristwatch
• NCAR clothing (T-shirts, vests, hats) in sizes from toddlers to adults

For recorded information call 303-497-1174, or see the Web site.

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.

Visuals Print-quality color photos are available in the FTP directory. About High-Resolution Images and Video: If your browser cannot open/download the images on this page, try our FTP site. Find the filename (e.g., cloud.tif) in the FTP directory and either drag its icon to your desktop, click on the filename (Mac), or right-click on the filename (PC).

Filenames and captions:

• filename: leon.jpg (934 K)
  
  
  
  Watercolors by Anne-Marie Gordon-Leon are featured in Gallery I of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, June 1–30.

• filename: microburst.jpg (369 K)
  
  
  
  Two young visitors to NCAR's Mesa Lab create a miniature microburst to see how winds affect aviation safety. The Mesa Lab Visitor Center is free and open to the public seven days a week. (Photo courtesy National Center for Atmospheric Research.)

• filename: tornado.jpg (306 K)
  
  
  
  The miniature tornado fascinates visitors to NCAR's Mesa Lab. (Photo courtesy National Center for Atmospheric Research.)

• filename: wave.jpg (6.2 MB)
  
  
  
  Young experimenters change wave action in the Flow Tank, one of several hands-on exhibits to explore in the Visitor Center at NCAR's Mesa Lab. (Photo courtesy National Center for Atmospheric Research.)