On Saturday, August 29, the community is invited to take part in a virtual event with the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) in celebration of the Hubble Space Telescope’s 30th anniversary. Learn more about the space craft, the new HST anniversary image, and space exploration with hands-on STEAM activities streamed online by IMAS educators on Facebook.com/imasmcallen from 4-6 PM.
Selena Garza, the lead IMAS Educator for the virtual event expressed, “I look forward to celebrating this Hubble anniversary with many people. This event puts into perspective how far along we have come through science and research. In addition, I am excited to show kids from different backgrounds how awesome STEAM programs can be!”
A limited number of free supply kits will be available for pickup at the museum, located at 1900 W. Nolana Avenue in McAllen, TX, on Saturday morning, August 29, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Kits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis upon checking in with Admissions and Memberships desk. The kit includes the supplies for three hands-on activities written in Spanish and English, a NASA activity booklet, and an IMAS patch!
The IMAS is open to the public with modified hours including Thursday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00-6:00 p.m. Admission is $1 (free for 3 & under) and visitors can access the art galleries, sculpture garden, gift shop, and McAllen Public Utility BioZone on their visit.
The IMAS has unveiled the Hubble 30th anniversary photo to the public alongside a limited number of selected unveiling sites across the nation. The vinyl banner featuring the 30th anniversary image, “Cosmic Reef”, is on display outside at “perfect selfie” height. The banner can be seen from the museum’s west parking lot, for a closer look of the spectacular image from your car. Visitors are encouraged to use the hashtag #Hubble30 and #ExploreIMAS to share their selfies and photos with the banner for a chance to be featured on IMAS social media.
To access the virtual event lessons and NASA activity booklet or for more information on the anniversary image, visit https://theimasonline.org/welcome/hubble-30th/ on the IMAS website.
These national unveilings are the brainchild of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, home to Hubble’s science operations center. A full list of all the national unveilings, as well as downloadable resources and a gallery of Hubble’s most iconic images, are available at https://hubblesite.org/hubble-30th-anniversary.
