Science hacks, stargazing come to Brooklyn for World Science Festival

MetroTech, Brooklyn Bridge Park to be science hotspots

May 28, 2014 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Stargazing in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Mary Frost

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Science and technology enthusiasts are heading to Downtown Brooklyn this week for the return of the World Science Festival. Events are taking place for the third year at NYU-Poly’s MetroTech campus and in Brooklyn Bridge Park, along with other Brooklyn venues and across the city.

At MetroTech in Downtown Brooklyn, visitors can sign up in advance for Science Hack Day NYC, a weekend of “hacking science for good.” While serious science enthusiasts can register for a two-day project, folks seeking just a taste of urban science adventures can join in on the Citizen Science Explorers Program, which runs Saturday, May 31 from 2 – 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 1 from noon to 4 p.m. at NYU’s NYU MAGNET Center. (Make sure to register at www.worldsciencefestival.com)

The Citizen Science Explorers Project includes pop-up workshops, short talks by leading researchers, and science kits.

At Brooklyn Bridge Park, learn all about the spacecraft named “Rosetta,” which will rendezvous with the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko in November. Connect with NASA Jet Propulsion Lab scientists, educators and designers to learn about the Rosetta Mission. A scale replica of the comet is on display through Sunday, June 1 daily until 5 p.m.

On Saturday, from 7 to 11 p.m., visit Pier 1 for a night of urban stargazing and live music. Learn more about the universe at the Star Chat, where some of the world’s best astronomers, physicists, and scientists will discuss hunting for life, landing crafts on Mars, and discovering planets trillions and trillions of miles away.

Check the website for other World Science Festival events in Brooklyn — scientific sails, a science-themed StorySLAM at the Bell House, and food and drink-related science at Momofuku and Wythe Hotel.

A large number of events are also taking place in Manhattan. Science Hack Day NYC free but registration is mandatory.