Astronomers have discovered more than 200 planets orbiting nearby stars, most of them much larger than Jupiter. Only recently have telescopes been able to detect the smaller ones approaching Earth-size. What does the future hold?

Is our planet the only Earth in the universe? Are there others? Would we recognize another "Earth" if we saw it? We will explore these exciting topics and boldly go where Dorothy and Toto never went before.

Enjoy your last chance of the year to see the narrowing rings of gorgeous Saturn.

Join us for hands-on activities and more to celebrate National Astronomy Day. Activities include shows in the Shafran Planetarium, demonstrations to learn how to grind your own telescope mirror, plus tours of the Mueller Observatory. Also, visit the kid-sized Starlab portable planetarium in the Sears Exhibit Hall and the Smead Discovery Center for additional fun and make-and-take activities. Don't forget to enter to win exciting prizes.

Geology doesn't just include the planet Earth. There's a whole zoo of rocky objects swirling around the solar system. Let's explore the rocky planets, asteroids and moons. We'll even study firsthand some meteorites in the Museum's collection that are more than 4 billion years old! By the way, you'd break your teeth eating the type of cheese that the moon is made of.

Join Museum naturalists and astronomers for a night of music (from the insects) and bright lights (from the stars) at the beautiful Wendtwood Preserve. Discover what comes alive when the sun goes down. Bring a flashlight and your night vision! Telescopes will be set up for viewing.

Students will learn stars and constellations and participate in daytime classes to learn techniques for star chart and telescope usage, general weather prediction, recording observations, safe solar viewing, astrophotography with digital cameras, observing meteors and examining meteorites. Students may sign up for daytime only attendance or for the full day-and-night stay at the Pink Pig on the grounds of Squire Valleevue Farm. Appropriate for ages: 9 to 12. Star Camp participants are chaperoned by adults and teachers at all times. Telescopes provided.