FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Katie Smith
Office 504-378-2693
Cell 504-278-0542
ksmith@auduboninstitute.org

(New Orleans) - Audubon Aquarium of the Americas will host a week of space exploration provided by NASA Tuesday, June 30, 2015 - Sunday, July 5, 2015 with hands-on exhibits by in the Pisces Room located on the second floor of the Aquarium (included with general admission), a special Entergy IMAX® NASA evening, and tours of one of NASA's premiere travelling exhibits in front of the Aquarium.

Entergy IMAX® Theatre will host a special NASA evening at 5:30 p.m. with family-friendly fun including hands-on robotics activity, a showing of the film Hubble 3D, a meet and greet with real life astronaut, and the announcement of the new mascot for NASA John C. Stennis Space Center.

Participation in the NASA Night at the IMAX® is complimentary, but registration is required. Visitors can register HERE.

The public can help name the new NASA mascot and are encouraged to submit recommended suggestions to the NASA Office of Communications at SSC-PAO@mail.nasa.gov. The individual or family providing the selected name will be invited to a fun-filled day of NASA activities at Audubon Aquarium. The winning name will be officially announced at the NASA Night at Entergy IMAX® Theatre on Tuesday, June 30, 2015. When sending the recommend name, participants be sure to include the following contact information: your name, address and telephone number. The entry deadline in Monday, June 15.

Journey to Tomorrow, one of NASA's premiere travelling exhibits, will be stationed in front of the Aquarium beginning on Tuesday, June 30 and open to the public free of cost. This 53-foot trailer has been transformed into an interactive environment packed with hands-on activities and digital learning stations.

An inspiring video sets the tone for the journey. Eight interactive kiosks give visitors a chance to explore at their own pace. Examples include Improving Today's Flight, NASA Home and City which highlights spinoff products created from NASA's research programs, Sci-Fi vs. Science Fact, Brain Bites that explain common questions people have about air and space travel, a lunar landing simulator, and Dynamic Planet, a hands-on interactive that allows you to explore the Earth, Sun, and Solar System . Additional workstations include glovebox activities, a planetary gravity demonstrator, and a solar system scale where visitors can find out how much they would weigh on the moon and each of the planets.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Advanced tickets are recommended and can be purchased by visiting AudubonInstitute.org or at any Audubon Nature Institute attractions. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is located at 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

Audubon Nature Institute is a 501(c)3 not for profit that operates a family of museums and parks dedicated to nature. These New Orleans facilities include: Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Entergy IMAX® Theatre, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Audubon Wilderness Park, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and Audubon Nature Institute Foundation. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.

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