/R E P E A T -- Embark on a Science Odyssey with the Ontario Science Centre/

Science Centre invites visitors on an adventure in astronomy from May 9 – 14, 2016

TORONTO, May 3, 2016 /CNW/ - All aboard for a week-long adventure in astronomy and space sciences! Science Odyssey is a nationwide celebration of science led by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).  Taking a celestial spin on the celebration, the Ontario Science Centre is participating in this year's Science Odyssey by offering solar observing, a star party and other space-themed programs for the public from May 9 to 14, 2016.

• Mercury's Rising – Monday, May 9
  Safely observe the Sun through specially-filtered telescopes as the planet Mercury performs a rare transit across the Sun for the first time in 10 years.
• Daily Solar Observing – Tuesday, May 10 - Saturday, May 14
  Learn about our nearest star and try your eye at spotting exotic surface features, including sunspots, spicules, and prominences through specially-filtered telescopes.
• Speaker's Night with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Wednesday, May 11
  Join University of Toronto PhD candidate Sara Mazrouei as she discusses about planetary geology, lunar impacts and how our Moon's history is linked to the Earth's distant past.
• Unbelievable Universe Star Party – Saturday, May 14
  Celebrate International Astronomy Day with telescope observing, interactive space-themed activities and crafts, "Science Slam" presentations and special screenings of the new IMAX^® space epic A Beautiful Planet.
• #OdySciSnaps Photo Contest – Monday, May 9 -Thursday, May 19
  Share your best photo of the night sky or a celestial object with us on Instagram for a chance to win a stellar prize that includes a one-year Ontario Science Centre membership. The winning photo will be chosen by Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques.

For more information about Science Odyssey at the Ontario Science Centre, please visit www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca/Calendar/310/. Be part of the adventure online by following and using the hashtag #OdySci.

The Ontario Science Centre gratefully acknowledges the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Association of Science Centres for the support of these events.

Social Media
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/OntarioScienceCentre
Twitter: @OntScienceCtr
Instagram: @OntarioScienceCentre
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/user/OntarioScienceCentre
Science Odyssey Hashtag: #OdySci

SOURCE Ontario Science Centre

Image with caption: "The Ontario Science Centre participates in Science Odyssey, a nationwide celebration of science, by offering solar observing, a star party and other space-themed programs for the public from May 9 to 14, 2016. (CNW Group/Ontario Science Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160509_C5607_PHOTO_EN_680747.jpg

Anna Relyea, Director, Strategic Communications, 416-696-3273 | c: 416-668-1967, [email protected]; Jefferson Darrell, Media Relations Officer, 416-696-3154, [email protected]; Andrea Mus, Media Relations Officer, 416-696-3191, [email protected]