NASA Astronauts Visit Portland, Oregon Science Attraction

NASA Astronauts Visit Portland, Oregon Science Attraction

Published 06/02/2010

(Portland, Oregon) - How hard is it to train to become an astronaut? What is it like to walk in space? How do you exercise in zero gravity? Find out the answers to these questions and more when the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) welcomes NASA astronauts Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger and Jim Dutton for free special speaking engagements as part of OMSI’s 60th anniversary celebration of the Kendall Planetarium. Astronaut Dutton will visit OMSI June 12 with presentations at 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the OMSI planetarium. Astronaut Metcalf-Lindenburger will visit OMSI on June 19 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. in the OMSI auditorium.

All presentations will be comprised of a brief talk by the astronauts followed by questions from visitors. The events are free, but space is limited and reservations are required. To reserve space at one of the presentations, email rsvp@omsi.edu or call 503.797.4677 with your name, contact info, and number of people.

Dutton and Metcalf-Lindenburger were both part of a recent resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Dutton was the pilot on the crew of STS-131 and has logged over 362 hours in space. Metcalf-Lindenburger was a mission specialist and has also logged over 362 hours in space. Dutton is originally from Eugene, Oregon and now lives in Newberg. Prior to joining NASA, Metcalf-Lindenburger was an Earth science and astronomy teacher at Hudson’s Bay High School in Vancouver, Washington.

The astronaut visits are part of OMSI’s 60th anniversary celebration of the Kendall Planetarium. The free anniversary event will be held June 19, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the OMSI front plaza. Several local astronomy groups will offer hands-on activities and telescopes for sky viewing. Several historic artifacts, including the original planetarium projector, will be on display beginning June 7.

In addition, OMSI will be hosting a Star Party at Rooster Rock and Stub Stewart State Parks beginning at 9:30 p.m. on June 19. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the stars and other celestial objects up close and personal through telescopes and binoculars.

OMSI’s Harry C. Kendall Planetarium is a 200-seat, 360-degree, 52-foot domed theater, and the largest and most technologically advanced public planetarium in the Pacific Northwest. This high-tech venue features state-of-the-art Sky Scan full dome video allowing the planetarium dome to be completely covered with real and computer-generated images to create one complete environment.