Want to meet a real, live Italian astronaut?

Calling all space cadets, science-lovers and appreciators of all things cool and interesting (and if you don't fall into any of these categories, you really should not be reading this blog). The Museum of Natural History is having a big celebration at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in honor of its birthday this Sunday and it promises to be a rollicking good time (and hey, its free with museum admission). Among tons of other stuff, there is going to be a bona-fide moon rock in attendance as well as a real, live Italian astronaut (come on, ladies, you know that's hot), story-telling, live music, and all sorts of good fun.

Here is more info, from the ANMH website: See you there!

WHAT To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center for Earth and Space, the American Museum of Natural History will host a special celebration for all ages featuring dazzling performances, live concerts, hands-on activities, presentations by Museum scientists, and a special appearance by NASA astronaut Michael Massimino.

Festivities will include the world premiere of the new Big Bang presentation, which takes visitors on an exciting journey through the universe, and of the spectacular AstroBulletin showing a Science Bulletin about the last 10 years of astrophysics.

Celebrating 10 years of achievements in Earth and space science, the afternoon will feature:

· Space Panorama: Watch British performer Andrew Dawson as he recreates the historic Apollo 11 flight using only hand movements, facial expressions, narration, music, and a table.

· AstroCappella: Rock out to sweet sounds of The Chromatics, a unique singing group that blends astronomy and music to create songs about the universe that are out of this world.

· Native American Sky Stories: Listen to Grammy Award winner Joanne Shenandoah and historian Doug George present Native American Sky Stories with music, dance, and more.

· Scientists, Activities, and More: Meet Museum scientists, view a Moon rock, experience work in space with astronaut glove boxes, and meet astronaut Michael Massimino.

To conclude the evening, Frederick P. Rose Hayden Planetarium Director Neil deGrasse Tyson will host a special Rose Center Anniversary Isaac Asimov Debate, “Is Earth Unique?”

WHEN Sunday, October 10, 10 am–5:45 pm

Rose Center Anniversary Isaac Asimov Debate: 7 pm

WHERE Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center for Earth and Space

Rose Center Anniversary Isaac Asimov Debate: LeFrak Theater

ADMISSION All performances and activities from 10 am–5:45 pm are free with Museum admission

Rose Center Anniversary Asimov Debate: $15 adults $13.50 Members, seniors and students

How a trip to Liberty Science Center can give you faith in your country

One of the great perks of being a mother of young children is that once or twice a year you get to taste astronaut ice cream again. I am positively stunned by how NASA or its frozen-delicacy-preserving subdivision is able to make that dried-up shit taste so damn creamy. Guys, it tastes just like real ice cream, the good stuff too. So the next time you doubt that our great country’s ability to do the impossible, just remember, we not only put man of the moon, we gave him astronaut ice cream on the way.