Brooklyn Heights

Stargazing, soccer-playing robots come to Brooklyn for World Science Festival

June 3, 2016 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle
At last year’s World Science Festival, adults and kids alike were amazed to see the four Galilean moons of Jupiter — Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto — from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Mary Frost
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The World Science Festival — which will include dozens of events throughout New York City — is set to return to Brooklyn this weekend. The annual festival allows participants to mix it up with leading scientists, thinkers and artists.

This celebration of science includes theatrical works, musical performances, lectures and outdoor events in parks, museums and performing arts venues.

In Brooklyn, “Night Lights, Big City: Stargazing” — which includes live music, stargazing and opportunities to meet astronomers and astronauts — will take place on Saturday, June 4 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1. The event is free, and attendees can peer through world-class telescopes or bring their own.

Highlights include:
– A meet-and-greet with astronaut Anna Fisher
– An interactive light show with the National Museum of Mathematics
– Soccer-playing robots
– A skateboard demonstration that puts gravity to the test
– “Star Chat” conversations about the cosmos with leading scientists

Also on Saturday, two scientific sails will set out from the park at Pier 6. (Though sold out, you can join the waiting list at http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/programs/scientific-sail-sun/ ).

The chemistry of baking will be explored at Four & Twenty Blackbirds bakery in Carroll Gardens on Saturday. (Join the waitlist at http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/programs/baking-chemists-apprentice/).

Strap on a pair of waders, cast a net and see what type of marine life lives in the New York waterways on Saturday. The Great Fish Count (http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/programs/great-fish-count/) includes three Brooklyn locations:

Coney Island: Kaiser Park, 10 a.m. to noon
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Under the Manhattan Bridge, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Red Hook: Valentino Pier, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

On Sunday, June 5 from 2:30 to 4 p.m., check out the creatures of the East River as Brooklyn Bridge Park’s scientists use a 20-foot seine net to catch and release a variety of estuary life.

Many other events are taking place throughout the city. For tickets or
more information about the festival’s highlights, visit www.worldsciencefestival.com.

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