It’s spooky season at Emporia State University’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center with the theme of “Creepy Crawly” as part of each October event. Two Science Storytimes will take place: Monday, Oct. 21, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and Thursday, Oct. 24, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Designed for children 7 and under, but open to anyone, attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes.
A special Halloween-themed Science Saturday on Oct. 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. will feature real, live creepy crawly insects and arachnids (including a giant tarantula) in partnership with the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia, along with ESU’s preserved specimens and hissing cockroaches. Other activities include arts and crafts and a trick-or-treat story walk in partnership with the Emporia Public Library. Candy will be aplenty, so bringing a bucket is advised. Of course, it’s not Halloween without costumes! Every attendee who comes in costume can participate in a contest with a chance to win a prize.
All Creepy Crawly PAROC events are free, but space is limited so attendees are asked to register in advance at esuparoc.com.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m. in ESU’s Science Hall Room 123, everyone is invited to join Mark Brown, director of ESU’s Peterson Planetarium and NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, for a free telescope clinic and short course that will provide an introduction to telescopes, some of the terminology used, how different telescopes work and what to consider when purchasing a telescope. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own telescopes for a private consultation. Brown and other experts will assist with issues amateur astronomers might be having with their telescopes. Brown also is offering a one-on-one opportunity by appointment. To register for the telescope clinic, visit the Peterson Planetarium page at emporia.edu/planetarium.
Each attendee is asked to register individually to ensure an accurate count.
For questions about the telescope clinic or to schedule a one-on-one telescope consultation, email Mark Brown at mbrown51@emporia.edu.