From Earth to the universe to [UWW]
June 24, 2009
by Jill Sakai

Two girls explore a scavenger hunt through an exhibit of colorful images of faraway galaxies, planets, and more at UW-Madison Science Expeditions on April 4, 2009. Photo: Laura Trouille

A collection of 40 striking images of galaxies, planets and more otherworldly sights will be on public display at our WAPT meeting. The colorful exhibit, "From Earth to the Universe", is part of a worldwide celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, marking 400 years since Galileo first used his telescope to peer beyond the Earth.

"A number of different groups have come together to promote the International Year of Astronomy, using astronomy as a catalyst to get kids especially interested in astronomy, interested in science, interested in school, interested in learning," says local exhibit organizer Laura Trouille.

Trouille, a University of Wisconsin-Madison astronomy graduate student, was awarded a NASA International Year of Astronomy <http://astronomy2009.nasa.gov/> Ambassador grant to develop an exhibit for Wisconsin audiences. Her display features several images related to UW-Madison research as well as others showcasing the stunning sights of the Hubble and Spitzer telescopes and other observatories from around the world.

Each image has a descriptive caption in English, Spanish and Hmong. Kids can try a scavenger hunt-style game that will lead them through the images to discover a secret message.

Trouille debuted the collection of 3-by-4-foot images at Science Expeditions on the UW-Madison campus in April and they will be on display for the WAPT meeting at UW-Whitewater.

The exhibit will be on display at the Milwaukee Planetarium July 8-31; the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis., Sept. 1-Oct. 15; UW-Whitewater Oct. 15-Nov. 15; and the UW Space Place Science Museum in Madison Nov. 15-Dec. 15.

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