Beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, the Lake Afton Public Observatory will be celebrating Astronomy Day 2009, with fun and educational activities for young and old alike.

The activities will start with seltzer rocket building contests, solar observation through LAPO’s 16-inch telescope and an astro-art activity.

There will also be a contest to see who can build the best Mars Lander vehicle. The regularly scheduled program, “Exploring the Solar System,” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Visitors can observe the moon, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune through the telescope.

Also at 7:30 p.m., the Kansas Astronomical Observers will have a number of different types of telescopes outside the observatory on the observing pad for visitors to look through.

During Astronomy Day, there is a $1 discount off regular admission prices for adults and children. Adult admission will be $3, and children ages 6-12 get in for $2. Children younger than 6 get in free.

Astronomy Day Schedule of Events

3-5 p.m.
Solar Observation
Learn about the sun and safely view it through LAPO’s telescope.

3-5 p.m.
Make Your Own Seltzer-Powered Rocket
Make a rocket powered by Alka-Seltzer and test it.

3-5 pm.
Astro-Art
Create your own astronomical work of art.

5-5:45 p.m.
Make a Mars Lander
Make a Mars Lander from materials provided that will protect a delicate passenger.

5:45-6:45 p.m.
Test Your Mars Lander
Test your Mars Lander design by dropping it from a hook-and-ladder.

7:30-10 p.m.
Exploring the Solar System
Look at the moon, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune.