When
Science at Sunset: Crackling Chaos & The Secrets of Lightning
Saturday, August 17, 2024
1601 E University Blvd.
5:30PM to 10PM
Unravel the extreme beauty of nature's electrical outbursts at this special evening event. Meteorologist Ron Holle will be your guide to the monsoon skies with his featured talk "Flashes of Brilliance: The Science and Wonder of Arizona Lightning." This event will also feature the premiere of a new planetarium show called Extreme Weather along with science exhibits, telescope stargazing (weather permitting), a live star talk, and special activities.
See schedule below!
SOLD OUT
All-inclusive ticket - $25
$15 for Flandrau members!
- Admission for science center exhibits and special activities
- Live planetarium presentation "Flashes of Brilliance: The Science and Wonder of Arizona Lightning" at 6:30PM with meteorologist Ron Holle
- Tucson premiere of planetarium show: Extreme Weather
- Telescope stargazing
- Live planetarium star talk
Seating is first come, first serve and some shows may sell out. An all-inclusive ticket guarantees you a seat to the presentations and shows.
About the featured speaker
Ron Holle is a meteorological consultant in Oro Valley, Arizona. Ron has worked extensively in meteorological education issues, particularly those relating to lightning safety and the demographics of lightning victims and damages around the U.S. and in 17 other countries. He has authored or co-authored 80 formally reviewed papers, 20 books and book chapters, and 360 informal papers. Mr. Holle was on the scientific organizing committees of the Vaisala International Lightning Detection Conferences from 2002 through 2018. He is a member of the U.S. National Lightning Safety Council and serves on the executive committee of the African Centres for Lightning and Electromagnetics Network. He was elected a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society in 2009.
Event schedule
Exhibits + Activities
Explore the Science Center
Reveal the marvels of the universe through science exhibits and special themed activities starting at 5:30PM. Flandrau staff will be on hand to help facilitate science demos in the Main Exhibit hall.
6:30PM - Presentation with Ron Holle
"Flashes of Brilliance: The Science and Wonder of Arizona Lightning"
Live presentation
After sunset - Telescope stargazing
Peer at the night sky with us
When the sun goes down, we'll be outside with our Dobsonian telescope looking at the moon and any other astronomical objects out during the viewing period.
8:00PM - Extreme Weather
Premiere of new limited-run fulldome planetarium show
Weather has always been one of the most dynamic and complex forces shaping our planet, but now it’s intensifying in varied and complex ways. Extreme Weather takes us to the frontlines where few have gone. Get closer than you’ve ever been to collapsing glaciers, out-of-control wildfires, and tornado-whipped debris while discovering the surprising connections among these powerful forces. Follow researchers and everyday heroes as they uncover surprising connections to help us understand and adapt to our ever-changing weather. Watch trailer.
9:30PM - Live Star Talk
Let our planetarium operator be your guide to the stars
Take a relaxing look at the night sky as one of our skilled "Console Captains" gives you a guided tour of the stars, planets, constellations and current events happening in the night sky.
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