PacSci-Doku: Frozen H2O

Our latest bi-weekly science word puzzle is a bit chilly. It's all about water, or at least a certain form of water. Can you solve the "Frozen H2O" edition of →PacSci-Doku?

Experiment Of The Month

Every month, Seattle's Child Magazine publishes an experiment provided by Pacific Science Center. These are experiments you and your family can do right at home for a little dose of discovery. This month's: Snowstorm In A Can. →Check it out!

Superstition: Belief In An Age Of Science

We have a great lecture coming up that is sure to be fascinating. From uttering a prayer before boarding a plane, to exploring past lives through hypnosis, has superstition become pervasive in contemporary culture? Professor Robert Park argues that it has. In his book Superstition, Park asks why people persist in superstitious convictions long after science has shown them to be ill-founded. He examines recent controversies and concludes that science is the only way we have of understanding the world. Join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking lecture Wednesday, November 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Pacific Science Center's Eames Theater. Tickets are $5 →online, this lecture is FREE for Pacific Science Center members and students with ID. Seattle Science Lectures presented by Pacific Science Center, Town Hall, and University Book Store, with support from Microsoft.

Lucy Looks Great On Thursdays

Thousands continue to come to Pacific Science Center to see the world's most famous fossil. Lucy's Legacy: The Hidden Treasures Of Ethiopia is one of the most popular exhibits we've ever presented. To help as many as possible see this exquisite collection of fossils and artifacts, we're offering reduced prices every Thursday night. From 5-9 p.m. you can see what everyone is talking about, and save some money at the same time. And Pacific Science Center members get in free! So, make your plans now before she's gone. After all, it took over 3 million years for this exhibit to get here. It won't be back. →Learn More

Batman Twin Bill Ends

We've shown many, many films in our Boeing IMAX Theater in the 10 years of its existence, but The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience has easily been one of the most popular. Batman Begins: The IMAX Experience was also wildly popular when it came out. But show them together and you have a sci-fi fan's dream come true. But all good things must come to an end and this weekend this spectacular Batman twin bill is all over. If you haven't seen these films in all their IMAX glory on the biggest screen in town, then hurry in. The final shows are this Sunday. EXTRA: We have plenty of Batman giveaways Halloween night. No costume required, though they are ALWAYS welcome! →Schedule/Tickets

'Around The Americas' Begins In Seattle

Pacific Science Center hosted the news media and those behind the Around The Americas Project Monday to explain more about this exciting program. The Seattle P-I has published a →very good article about it. We will be talking more and more about this as we count down to the start of this spectacular odyssey that will bring wonder and adventure to the pursuit of science on June 1, 2009. We hope you'll follow along with us! →Learn More

Giant Pumpkin Transformed!

If you happened to stop by Pacific Science Center on Sunday, October 26, 2008 for the final day of →Tricks, Treats & Science Feats, you saw →this transform into →this. Such a gorgeous fall day in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Thanks to everyone who stopped by. And thanks to Monica Guzman of the →Seattle P-I for the picture.

Everyone Loves Lucy!

Judging by the comments our visitors have been leaving, Lucy's Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia is a hit. Here are a few:

"Fantastic! Thank you for sharing these priceless treasures and this culture."

"Thank you so much for bringing this exhibit! I am so glad for the opportunity to witness Lucy and the grand contributions of Ethiopia."

"Wonderful! I can't believe I actually got to see the real Lucy. Exceptional and Astounding."

"Absolutely magnificent!"

"Having grown up in Ethiopia, it was like coming home and learning to appreciate it even more than before. Lucy- It's good to meet you finally."

Come see for yourself, and remember, we're continuing a 2-for-1 coupon offer! This is valid Tuesday through Friday, 1-3:30 p.m. when crowds are smaller. Just →click through, print the coupon and bring it with you. Come witness evolution and see incredible history firsthand.

Add chemistry, Imagination To Your Holiday Party!

There is still time to plan your holiday event at Pacific Science Center. We offer a fun, interactive environment for groups of all sizes and we’re the only place in town where you can enjoy an IMAX® movie, catch a laser or planetarium show, dance with dinosaurs and stroll through our Tropical Butterfly House! Contact Betsy Meacham at (206)443-2899 or →click for more information.

'Spooktacular' Savings For Members!

Sign up or renew your membership on site at any ticket booth this weekend during →Tricks, Treats & Science Feats and receive a spooktacular 10% off your membership! We’ll also be handing out free Halloween-inspired gift bags with the purchase of a membership. But come early, supplies are limited. Gift bags do need to be picked up in the Membership Office in Building One. →Learn More

AstroInfo Alice Needs Some Help

Pacific Science Center Planetarium Specialist, Alice Enevoldsen has posted a few new items on her popular AstroInfo blog. One focuses on the snow that was detected on Mars, but the other two items are calls for help. First, she's looking for a new avatar for her online persona and has opened a logo/avatar competition. Second, she's looking for a new textbook to use in her astronomy class she'll be teaching this winter. Can you offer suggestions? →Learn More

Slough News: Still Room For More Interns

Our Lake Washington Watershed Internship program is more popular than ever these days. But we still have a few openings for high school students from the Bellevue School District. If you know of a student who may be interested, get in touch with us now. Enrollment will soon close. →Learn More

Slough News: Haunted Hikes Are Here!

They've become a spooky annual tradition: Haunted Hikes at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue. This year they're better than ever, now that the newly remodeled facility is open. Come join our costumed staff as they take you and your family out on the trails for some fun and science...in the dark! →Learn More

A Unique View Of Ethiopia

The →Lucy's Legacy: The Hidden Treasures Of Ethiopia exhibit is more than just the world's most famous fossil. It also takes visitors through the storied history of a land many consider to be not only the cradle of humankind, but also the cradle of civilization. We are pleased to publish an article written by a native Ethiopian who now lives in Seattle. It tells a fascinating story of a land far away and gives a unique perspective to our exhibit. Take a →look then come visit the exhibit. We promise you will walk away with a completely different view of that part of the world.

Issaquah Blogger Likes The Slough!

If you missed last weekend's grand opening of the new Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, then be sure to check out this →blog posting from Kathleen Cragun of Issaquah. She posted many great images from the event and talks about the purpose of the new center. Thanks Kathleen. Very nice! We encourage you to come see it for yourself. For teachers or home school groups wishing to learn more, please contact our Registration Office at (206)443-2925 or email →mercer_slough@pacsci.org.

PacSci-Doku: 'Space Travel Hazard'

Another group of humans ventured to outer space this week, including another space tourist. But there is something out there that poses a rather unusual risk. That's the subject of our latest bi-weekly science word puzzle. Can you solve the 'Space Travel Hazard' edition of →PacSci-Doku?

A Piece Of Seattle History Returns!

Something new can be found under the arches near the Space Needle. They're four unusual machines that can transform plastic into fascinating keepsakes...and can transport you back to 1962! Read on to learn more about the phenomenon called Mold-A-Rama! →Learn More

Spooky Sleepover Poetry

On a Saturday night, the 25th of October,

The ghouls of Pacific Science Center host a Sleepover;

But you MUST register soon,

For this special night under the October moon!

The party begins at 7 p.m. in the Science Center,

For spooky science and fun games you will enter!

It will be a fabulous Kids-Only Night,

Don't wait to sign up- missing out would be a real fright!

→Learn More

Tricks, Treats, & Science Feats

Pacific Science Center is dressing up for Halloween again this year! With Treat Stations, face painting, Halloween-themed planetarium shows, science demonstrations, bug handling and much more, it's sure to be a fun and enlightening Halloween weekend! Join us Oct. 25-26. →Learn More

See Lucy And Save!

Our Lucy's Legacy exhibit is attracting thousands, but you can avoid the crowds by visiting weekday afternoon when attendance slows. And to help make it even better, we're now offering a 2-for-1 coupon! This offer is valid Tuesdays through Fridays, 1-4 p.m. Just →click through and print the coupon and bring it with you. See the world's most famous fossil and save some money!

It's A Very Small World

Congratulations to Charles Krebs of Issaquah. Once again this year, as he seems to do every year, he placed high in the annual Nikon Small World photo competition. You can see his stunning image →here. This competition brings together some of the very best in the field of photomicrography. All the winners from this year's contest will be on display at Pacific Science Center starting in March 2009.

Shout Out For Planetarium Teacher

There's a new book out that's been getting good reviews. Richard Farr's "Emperors of the Ice: A True Story of Disaster and Survival in the Antarctic, 1910-13" tells the story of an ill-fated exploration of Antarctica. But this Seattle-based author weaves in mention of Pacific Science Center's Willard Smith Planetarium and one of our talented Planetarium Teachers, Jeremy Higgins. The story is written for young adults and while it is a work of fiction, it is based closely on and includes many facts of the real-life adventure. It's highly recommended. →Learn More

New Images Of Mercury

Our Planetarium Teachers are abuzz with news of some incredible new images coming from planet Mercury by way of the →MESSENGER mission. Stop by our →Willard Smith Planetarium and find out more about the planet closest to our sun. Also, stop by Planetarium Specialist Alice Enevoldsen's personal →AstroInfo blog for more about Mercury and all things astronomical.

Special Lucy Discounts For Members!

All Pacific Science Center members receive FREE admission to Lucy's Legacy: The Hidden Treasures Of Ethiopia every Thursday evening from 5 to 9 p.m. Last entry time will be 7:30 p.m. Guests may accompany members for free if using a guest entitlement. You may reserve tickets ahead of time by calling 1-877-SEE-LUCY. Mystery of the Nile, our IMAX accompaniment to Lucy's Legacy, will also be playing late with show times at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. A special thanks to our sponsor, The Boeing Company, for making this evening possible! →Learn More

Lucy Perks For Our Members

Purchase or renew your membership at any ticket booth this weekend, Saturday, October 4-Sunday, October 5 and receive a free copy of Lucy's Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia, Recipes from Afar and Near, a 48-page book about the culture and history of Ethiopia as well as authentic Ethiopian recipes. Books will need to be picked up in the Membership Office in Building One. Supplies are limited so come early! →Learn More

Science On Tap: What Can Evolution Tell Us About God?

As we celebrate the opening of Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures Of Ethiopia, we are preparing a number of lectures and discussions to help bring to the public the issues surrounding the world’s most famous fossil. The first is Science On Tap: What Can Evolution Tell Us About God? History is full of instances where scientific and religious thinking have been seen as conflicting with one another. While most mainstream religious groups now reject this idea, some areas of science, such as evolution, still cause unease and discomfort among religious believers. Dr. Boose, an evolutionary biologist from Gonzaga University, will discuss some of the reasons for this discomfort, and will talk about his view that a scientific understanding of the world can actually enhance, rather than diminish, our understanding of God. We hope you can join us at T.S. McHugh's Irish Pub & Restaurant on Lower Queen Anne Tuesday, Oct. 7 starting at 7:30 p.m.

Educators, Come Get Acquainted With 'Lucy'

We're holding another educator's open house on Oct. 6. It's free for educators in the area and a great chance to get to know the world's most famous fossil, not to mention one of the most important exhibits we've ever presented! →Learn More

Experiment Of The Month: Fossil Digging

Each month our friends at Seattle’s Child magazine feature a fun science-related activity on their Web site for the young scientist in your family! In honor of our new exhibit, Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures Of Ethiopia, your kids can learn how to do a "fossil" dig of their own right at home. But this one involves cookies, toothpicks and a paint brush. →Check it Out!

PacSci-Doku: 'Out-Of-This-World Life'

Our newest bi-weekly science word puzzle is all about life, but not on planet Earth. Can you solve the 'Out-Of-This-World Life' edition of →PacSci-Doku?!

New Slough Facility Honored

The 2008 "Greening in Place" awards have been announced and the newly remodeled Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center is among the winners! The annual awards honor the planning and design teams of public facilities that reflect environmental sustainability. Congratulations to everyone who worked on and supported this wonderful project. →Learn More