Astronaut Clayton Anderson to appear at NU State Museum March 14

The University of Nebraska State Museum will host an appearance by NASA astronaut and Nebraska native Clayton Anderson 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14 at Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus.

Beginning at 11 a.m., Anderson will give a presentation featuring images from his flights aboard the Space Shuttles and his five-month stay on the International Space Station. This will be followed by a question and answer session with the public from 11:30 to noon. There will be a meet and greet period from 12:30 to 2 p.m., when visitors will have the opportunity for photographs and autograph signings with Nebraska's first astronaut.

The museum's Mueller Planetarium will present the fulldome show "Dawn of the Space Age" at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. that day.

Anderson's stop at the museum is part of his visit to the state to host a special performance of the Omaha Symphony, which will include video production by planetarium supervisor Jack Dunn. Anderson is scheduled to make other stops in Lincoln and Omaha during the weekend to commemorate the 2009 International Year of Astronomy. The International Year of Astronomy celebrates the 400 years since Galileo first turned his telescope to the heavens in 1609, marking the dawn of astronomy and exploration of the universe.

Dunn, who has known Anderson for many years and attended his Space Shuttle launch on June 8, 2007, said he is happy to have the opportunity for Anderson to appear at the museum to share his remarkable journey -- particularly with young people.

"In the years I've known Clay, I knew he would be a great inspiration to youth. He has already done so much to encourage kids to reach their full potential through community outreach. I had hoped that once Clay made his flight, I would be able to arrange for him visit the museum and planetarium. His appearance will definitely be a memorable experience for kids and adults of all ages," Dunn said.

Following Anderson's visit to the museum, he will make appearances at the Metropolitan Science and Engineering Fair at the Milo Bail Student Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the Hyde Memorial Observatory in Lincoln that evening. On March 15, he will conclude his visit by hosting "The Final Frontier," a space-themed concert by the Omaha Symphony at the Holland Performing Arts Center in Omaha.

Admission to the University of Nebraska State Museum is $5 for adults (19 and older), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and younger are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and their children). There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free. For further information, telephone the museum at (402) 472-3779, visit its Web site, www.museum.unl.edu or Mueller Planetarium's Web site, www.spacelaser.com, or contact Dunn at (402) 472-2641 or by e-mail.

For a link to the official NASA biography and photo Anderson, click here.