UPDATE: Naked Mole-Rat Babies!

With SO many people asking about the newest members of our naked mole-rat colony, we decided to post an update on our Life Sciences Blog. Read on to learn how the little guys are doing and for some great pictures of the unusual critters. →Learn More

What's 'Fresh' In The Butterfly House?

Over the past few weeks we've had some great stories to share from our Life Sciences Blog. →Naked Mole-Rat babies and →two queens in our bee hive are just two that come to mind. But our talented staff and volunteers also post a weekly list of what's new in our famous Tropical Butterfly House. They call it the Fresh Sheet, a complete listing of all the new arrivals that go into our Emerging Room. There they are put on display so our visitors can join us in watching these pupae emerge as the latest fluttery attractions. Read on to see what's now on display in that large window on the west side of the Butterfly House then stop by to watch them come out for a visit. →Learn More

Around The Americas: "We're Out"

The daily dispatch from the crew of Ocean Watch was slugged with one word: "Out" and while it is a small word, it carries big meaning. The →log entry goes on to explain that the 60-foot sailboat and its crew have made it through the toughest portion of the Northwest Passage. It's the latest development in the incredible story of the 13-month circumnavigation of both North and South America. We invite you to follow their adventure at →AroundtheAmericas.org and keep track of their messages via →Twitter as well.

Slough News: An Environmental Honor

We knew the remodeled Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center was incredible and now it's official: The Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center has earned a prestigious Gold certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) organization for its innovative environmental design and sustainable features. →Learn More

Slough News: Funding Available For Slough Field Trips

Thanks to a generous grant from The Russell Family Foundation, funding is now available for scholarships and transportation stipends to the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center for the 2009-10 school year. Qualifying schools are located in the Seattle, Everett and Renton School Districts, based on free/reduced lunch program percentage. →Learn More

Science Café: Cutting Edge Flu Research

Our next Science Café features Seattle research scientist Alan Diercks who is working to understand how our body's immune system responds to protect us against both seasonal and pandemic flu viruses such as swine flu. Come learn firsthand about the latest developments in the battle against one of humankind's oldest enemies. →Learn More

Meet A Pacific Science Center Legend

If you've seen just about any Pacific Science Center exhibit over the past 35+ years then you've experienced some of the work of Ron Wuethrich. Ron started his career under the arches before many of our current displays were even dreamt of. In fact, it was some of his dreams and creative wisdom that helped create them! So, read on to learn more about one of our hidden treasures then come see some of his work for yourself. →Learn More

Science On Wheels

Our Science On Wheels vans have been busy this summer, but it's not over yet! We're still parked all over the place! We hope you can stop by and say hi in September at Bumbershoot and at the Puyallup Fair. Over the past decade, Science On Wheels has brought the fun of science and math to more than 1.5 million children and adults throughout Washington. Our staff's varied backgrounds in science, education, and theater provide an exciting day for students and families as we inspire a fascination in math, science and technology. We hope to see you soon! →Learn More

Bumbershoot Bonanza For Members

Purchase or renew your Pacific Science Center Membership during Bumbershoot and receive two free Laser show passes and an exclusive Member tote bag. Look for Pacific Science Center's table inside Bumbershoot between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to take advantage of this offer or purchase a membership on site at Pacific Science Center during Bumbershoot weekend. The passes are good for any Laser show, including the newest show Laser Daft Punk. For more information about memberships contact the Membership Office at (206) 443-2924 or check our →Membership site.

Plan Ahead For September Closure

It promises to be a very busy fall and winter season at Pacific Science Center, but to get ready we need to be closed for part of September. Read on to learn more about our planned closure and our appearance at the Puyallup Fair! Take a human brain, Weird Al Yankovic and our Science On Wheels crew and you have the makings for some serious and fun discovery! →Learn More

SCOPE: All About The Conversation

In laboratories and universities across the Pacific Northwest, research is being conducted that could change our society and our lives. As part of our mission, Pacific Science Center brings scientists and the public together in casual environments to discuss issues of importance to science and society. To help fund and expand these efforts, we recently were awarded a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). →Learn more about this project then make plans to attend one of our upcoming events, such as the next →Science Café on September 1.

Scientists Like Me: Faces Of Discovery

Ever wonder what a scientist looks like? Do they always wear those lab coats?! This September at Pacific Science Center, get a peek into the everyday lives of real scientists. A collection of photographs, taken by our own →Discovery Corps interns will be on display. →Learn more and stop by to see what these incredible teens have created.

Birthday Bash Savings For Members

Planning a birthday party? Pacific Science Center Members receive up to $20 off one of our birthday party packages plus the option to have more party guests at no additional cost. Pacific Science Center offers a wide range of science-themed birthday party packages. →Learn More. Contact the Membership Office at (206)443-2924 or check our →Membership site to purchase or renew your membership today and take advantage of this special discount.

PacSci-Doku: Moon Mission

Our newest bi-weekly science word puzzle is a moon shot. And we're not talking about a Griffey blast to right field. Can you solve the "Moon Mission" edition of →PacSci-Doku?

Halfway Through The Northwest Passage

The Around The Americas expedition has passed the halfway mark in its voyage through the tricky Northwest Passage above Canada. Dodging icebergs and the occasional bear onshore, Ocean Watch and its crew have departed Cambridge Bay and were headed for Gjoa Haven, a small Inuit village. The next several hundred miles will be the most challenging in the Northwest Passage transit, so follow along at →AroundtheAmericas.org.

Ocean Research
Science is a big part of the Around The Americas circumnavigation of North and South America. In fact, our crew is helping with global ocean research by deploying buoys in arctic waters. These buoys will gather data on changes in the oceans and the impact of global warming. →Learn More

Two Queens And Baby Mole-Rats

It's been a busy week for Pacific Science Center's Life Sciences Department. First, a member of our staff discovered →two queens in our bee hive, something that rarely happens. Then our Naked Mole-Rat colony grew larger with the arrival of new babies! We put the question to our legion of Twitter followers: are these little guys cute, ugly, or something else? Cute was winning easily. But what do you think? Take a look at the pictures on our →Life Sciences Blog, then come see them for yourself.

The Great Bee Mystery

A member of our staff has uncovered a bit of a mystery in Pacific Science Center's Insect Village. It seems we now have two queens in our bee colony. Read all about it on our PacSciLife Blog then come see them for yourself. →Learn More

AstroInfo: Summer Star Stuff

Pacific Science Center Planetarium Specialist, Alice Enevoldsen is out with another informative post on her astronomy blog. This time Alice rounds up some summer astronomical happenings, such as: something huge crashed into Jupiter, Saturn's rings may disappear on us, and we're now in the midst of a meteor shower. →Take a look.

Butterfly Of The Month

Our August Butterfly Of The Month is tricky. The males tend to land on people and both genders become almost invisible when at rest. So, come take a look at our Myscelia up close and personal, just be sure to check before you leave. We wouldn't want any going home with you! →Learn More

SETI: Is Anything Or Anybody Out There?

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) has been the stuff of sci-fi stories for many years, but there is also serious research under way. Come learn about it firsthand as two scientists in the field share their thoughts. Dr. Don Brownlee with the UW's Department of Astronomy and Dr. Jill Tarter, Director of the SETI Institute’s Center for SETI Research are the featured speakers at a Seattle CityClub event, co-presented by Pacific Science Center, coming up Aug. 27 at The Science Fiction Museum at Seattle Center. Join us for dessert, coffee and thought provoking conversation. And don't forget your own questions for these experts as we discuss the possibility of life existing in our Solar System or beyond! →Learn More

Ice, Wind, And Bears

The Around The Americas voyage continues above the Arctic Circle as crew of Ocean Watch attempts to sail through the tricky Northwest Passage. Ice has once again slowed things down, but that hasn't stopped the crew from meeting some interesting characters. Fellow sailors and local inhabitants, including a big, furry critter on shore are featured in the latest log entries. This 13-month circumnavigation of both North and South America is to raise awareness of the state of the world's oceans. We invite you to follow along at →AroundTheAmericas.org and if you're a Twitter user, follow the crew's tweets at →http://twitter.com/ATAOceanWatch.

The Great Cockroach Mite Battle!

We have another fascinating post on our PacSciLife blog, written by members of Pacific Science Center's Life Sciences Department. This time it's the latest on a battle to rid our beloved Hissing Cockroaches of pesky little mites that use the big bugs as a home. →Take a look and if you have questions be sure to leave a comment. Then stop by to see these bugs in person!

PacSci-Doku: Battery Powered

We think you'll get a jolt out of our latest bi-weekly science word puzzle. Can you solve the "Battery Powered" edition of →PacSci-Doku?

The Axolotl Challenge

Pacific Science Center's Life Sciences staff cares for all the many plants and animals that are on display at our main campus adjacent to Seattle Center. These dedicated men and women face some challenges keeping all the specimens healthy. One particularly tricky challenge involves our amphibians, the axolotls. Read all about it in our →PacSciLife blog where our staff shares behind-the-scenes stories of how all those fascinating creatures and plants are nurtured so we can all learn from them. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment.

Into The Northwest Passage

The crew of Ocean Watch had been waiting for the ice to clear so they could begin their eastward trek through the fabled Northwest Passage above Canada. This week the wind shifted and the ice cleared, so the Around The Americas voyage is under way again. The 60-foot, steel-hulled sail boat is making its way around both North and South America to bring attention to the state of our oceans. This leg of the voyage is perhaps the trickiest. We invite you to follow along at →AroundTheAmericas.org and if you're a Twitter user, follow the crew's tweets at →http://twitter.com/ATAOceanWatch.

Laser Opera

For anyone who thinks opera is only for the older crowd, Seattle Opera would like a word with you. The fifth annual Laser Opera Show is set for August 13 in Pacific Science Center's Laser Dome. This yearly event is staged by Seattle Opera's BRAVO! Club, the nation's largest organization for opera-goers in their 20's and 30's. And this year BRAVO! has added a showing for the general public. Both laser shows are part of Seattle Opera's Ring Cycle and feature General Director Speight Jenkins' playlist of his favorite Ring music as well as live commentary. So, if you've ever attended one of our laser shows with the music of Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd, come see something completely different. If you've never seen one of our laser shows then you're in for a real treat. It's your chance to gain a better understanding of opera with Wagner's legendary music combined with the magic light of our world famous laser artists. It promises to be an outstanding evening! PLEASE NOTE: Tickets will NOT be available at the door the night of the event. You must purchase tickets in advance through Seattle Opera. →Learn More

Slough News: Family Workshop

Our next monthly family workshop at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue is this weekend and it's all about Nymphs, Damsels, and Dragons! We're talking about underwater insects, of course. Investigate these fascinating creatures by using dip nets at our local pond. Learn how they have adapted to their watery environment and examine dragonfly and damselfly nymphs and other insect larvae using scientific tools and microscopes and watch them up close with our Bug TV. That's this Saturday, August 8, 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Donations welcome. →Map and Directions

Ginger Ackerley Honored

Pacific Science Center is fortunate to have some of the Puget Sound area's most generous and caring citizens among our supporters. One of those is Ginger Ackerley who has been one of Pacific Science Center's greatest longtime advocates, helping us in our quest to improve science education throughout the state. She's a former Pacific Science Center Board Member, past Board President and lifetime Director Emeritus. Ginger's leadership was instrumental in the modernization of Pacific Science Center during our last capital campaign. But helping us is just one of the many things she does for our community. The Seattle Storm recently established the Ginger Ackerley Community Service Award, a tribute to the woman who was instrumental in establishing a WNBA franchise in Seattle. The Ginger Ackerley Community Service Award will be given annually by the Seattle Storm to an individual who has had a measurable impact on improving the quality of life in the Puget Sound area through a significant and sustained record of volunteer service to the area's youth. Congratulations to Ginger Ackerley for a well-deserved honor and thank you for all that you do for all of us. →Learn More

Campers Reveal Remarkable Robots!

Now that we’re halfway into summer camp season, we’ve been impressed with all kinds of camper creations! Check out one of the many →amazing robots created, built, and tested by our Curious Minds in Robot Workshop! We have a few the limited spots still available in all Seattle, Bellevue and Medina camps, grades K-8, →register today!

Do The Math: Members Save

What would you do with an extra $44? A family of four would pay $62 in exhibit and IMAX tickets per visit, with two visits a year totaling $124. By purchasing or renewing a Silver Family Membership for $80, you’d save $44 after just two visits! And by becoming a member, not only will you get unlimited FREE admission to exhibits, planetarium and matinee laser shows, but you’ll also be able to avoid summer lines by using our exclusive Member entrance. Join today and skip the lines at the ticketbooth. Contact the Membership Office at (206)443-2924 or visit our →Membership site for more information.

Starry Summer Nights Sleepover!

Make your plans now to help us celebrate a terrific summer with our annual End of Summer Sleepover Party! This year's kids-only overnight event will be better than ever. Go on a night hike through the exhibits, dance with the dinosaurs and sleep amongst Pacific Science Center's world class exhibits! It all happens Friday-Saturday, August 28-29. Registration is limited. Register →online or call (206)443-2925.