Jupiter Ball tickets now on sale; proceeds benefit science education

CHAPEL HILL -- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will host the fourth annual Jupiter Ball on Nov. 15, and tickets are available for the gala.

This black-tie event benefits the science education of N.C. schoolchildren, with this year’s funds going toward scholarships, program accessibility efforts and show development.

"We’re trying to promote community support for improving science education, which in turn benefits the community and the state," said Susan Garrett Larson, Jupiter Ball coordinator.

While 80,000 schoolchildren visit the Morehead Center annually, many schools cannot make the trip due to insufficient funding. The scholarship program helps needy school districts cover the costs of admission, transportation and lunch. In addition to addressing technology and program needs, funding will also help make the Morehead Center accessible to as many North Carolinians as possible, including hearing-impaired and non-English speaking visitors.

The event lasts from 7 p.m. to midnight, beginning with a champagne reception, followed by a Ciompi Quartet performance in the Star Theater. The evening culminates with dinner and dancing with the Jon Larson Band, including local favorite Carter Minor on vocals. The observatory will be open for guests to take a closer look at the mid-November sky.

Jupiter Ball tickets are $150 and may be obtained by contacting Larson at (919) 843-3474 or sglarson@email.unc.edu. She can also provide information on patronage and sponsorship opportunities for individuals and companies.

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Morehead Center contact: Susan Garrett Larson, (919) 843-3475