Morrill Hall will celebrate Astronomy Day April 12

The University of Nebraska State Museum and Mueller Planetarium will celebrate Astronomy Day from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Morrill Hall, as part of the monthly "Sunday with a Scientist" program.

Families will be able to interact with astronomers, engineers and physicists to learn about planets, optics, telescopes, space travel, nanotechnology, flying robots, meteorites and more through hands-on activities. Families can enter to win prizes from Astronomy Magazine.

In celebration of the "International Year of Light," Mueller Planetarium will present fulldome laser shows about laser technology in space. "Lasers in Space" will fill the fulldome screen at 2 and 3 p.m. The show focuses on the ever-changing study of astronomy and space exploration through dazzling laser light.

For more event information, visit http://spacelaser.com.

Astronomy Day is a national celebration of amateur astronomy started in the 1970s by the Astronomical League. The observance at Morrill Hall and Mueller Planetarium is the only Nebraska location sponsored by Astronomy Magazine.

Established in 1871, the University of Nebraska State Museum is the state's premier museum of natural history. The museum is focused on promoting discovery in natural science, fostering scientific understanding and interpretation of the Earth's past, present and future and enhancing stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage of Nebraska through world class exhibits, collections and special events. For more information, go to http://museum.unl.edu.