Apollo 11 Celebrations at HRPO

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo II's remarkable, interstellar journey in 1969, the Highland Road Park Observatory is hosting a slate of educational and celebratory events for all the starry-eyed wanderers out there. 

July 8: Apollo 11: Where were you? 

This month's Baton Rouge Astronomical Society meeting will feature personal reflections of where they were on July 16, 1969—one of the most thrilling days in American history. Members of the public are invited to listen in, and to share their own stories. There will also be a screening of a classic NASA documentary on Apollo 11. 7pm–9 pm. Free. Ages 12 and older. 

July 12: Mission of the Millenium

Hear the story of the spectacular journey undertaken by three brave men, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, as told by Tom Northrop of BREC. 7:30 pm–8:40 pm. Free. Ages 14 and older. 

July 16: Apollo 11 Commemorative Rocket Launches 

Join the flock of straw and stomp rockets, launching from the observatory to commemorate the unthinkable launch of Apollo 11, as human beings left the Earth for its sole natural satellite. Sponsored by the Louisiana Space Consortium. 6:30 pm–7:30 pm. Free. All ages welcome; children younger than eight will require a parent or caregiver. 

Apollo 11 Fiftieth Anniversary Party 

Following the community rocket launch, join in for food, physical science demonstrations, hands-on activities, games (and prizes!), a sky tour, and the possibility to view seven satellites and rocket bodies crossing the night sky. Free. All ages welcome. 

hrpo.lsu.edu.