News Release

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center to host
special shuttle broadcast on Wednesday (July 13)

CHAPEL HILL -- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will show a special live broadcast designed specifically for museum and science center audiences on its planetarium dome Wednesday (July 13) to mark the Space Shuttle Discovery’s return to space.

The broadcast, which begins at 2:50 p.m., will feature background material and explanations designed for children and families. NASA astronaut Dr. Nicholas Patrick and chief scientist Dr. James Garvin are scheduled to appear along with NASA educators.

Dr. Daniel Reichart, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at UNC, also will be available at the planetarium to answer audience questions about the shuttle launch.

NASA has scheduled Discovery’s liftoff for 3:51 p.m.

The shuttle program has been grounded since Columbia was destroyed during reentry in February 2003.

Admission is free, and doors open at 2:30 p.m. The Morehead Center is located at 250 E. Franklin St. in Chapel Hill.

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Morehead Center contact: Karen Kornegay, (919) 843-7952 or kck@unc.edu