Mesa Lab to Reopen this Summer

Contact: David Hosansky UCAR Communications Telephone: (303) 497-8611 E-mail: hosansky@ucar.edu

BOULDER--After a six-month closure for rem odeling, the National Center for Atmospheric Research will reopen June 16 with exciting new exhibits as well as old favorites.

NCAR’s Mesa Lab, located at the west end of Table Mesa Drive, is a working research laboratory that welcomes the public to its Visitor Center seven days a week. Admission is free. The building and adjacent weather trail are wheelchair accessible. For recorded information, call 303-497-1174 or click "VISIT US" on the Web site at www.ucar.edu.

Museums and Tours

The Mesa Lab will be open for tours beginning June 16. Guided noontime tours are offered daily to individuals and families throughout the summer, including weekends and holidays. Organized groups of adults or children need to reserve specific tour times in advance by calling 303-497-1173. Self-guided tours are available on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No reservations are necessary for self- guided tours.

The exhibits area will feature two major new attractions this summer. In one, visitors will be able to gain a comprehensive view of Earth’s past and present climate. Highlights include an explanation of climate change and information about climate conditions in prehistoric times, as well as a new two-story mural that shows the layers and features of the atmosphere in colorful detail. The second attraction is a self-guided audio tour for visitors to learn about atmospheric science, the architecture of the building, and the ecology of the NCAR mesa.

Other exhibits include a telescopic camera, three aircraft models, and a gravity well, plus demonstrations of lightning, tornado, and fluid dynamics. The NCAR mesa has an outdoor weather trail with interpretative information and views of Boulder’s Flatirons and the city below. The building itself is a popular attraction with its unique design by architect I.M. Pei.

NCAR’s Science Store

NCAR’s Science Store is packed with educational and souvenir items for exploring not only weather and climate but all of nature and the sciences. Popular items include:

-books for all ages, from picture books to field guides and works by NCAR scientists -resources for hikers, including local trail maps -science kits, educational games, toys, and puzzles -unique jewelry, solar-powered sculptures, and weather stations -NCAR clothing (T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, fleece vests, and socks)

NCAR Art Galleries

The NCAR Community Art Program shows will resume in July. For show information, artists, and dates, check the online NCAR Art Calendar: www.ucar.edu/outreach/art_gallery/calendar.html.