University's Dr. Roth to Speak at Children's Museum April 6

Dr. Michael W. Roth, assistant professor of physics at Texas A&M International University, will present a talk, outdoor slide show, and lunar viewing at a free "Moon Gazing Gala" at the Laredo Children's Museum Tuesday, April 6 at 7 p.m.

Persons who attend the free event can hear fun facts about the moon, view planets and stars through a telescope, and learn more about astronomy. Additionally, the first 20 children who arrive will receive a free planet finder.

Dr. Roth noted the Moon Gazing Gala will be a great adventure for young and old alike and recommends that those who attend bring a blanket, their binoculars or telescope, and the whole family for this once-in-a-lifetime "space-tacular" event.

"Although these worlds have been studied, mapped out by spacecraft and even walked on in the case of the Moon, they never seem to lose their wonder and deep inspiration for me when I look at them. I hope they will also be an inspiration to others," he said.

The event coincides with the opening of a moon rock display which will be at the Museum through the end of April. The moon rock, a lunar sample taken from the Apollo 15 Mission by Astronaut James Irwin, is 3 billion years old. Admission to the moon rock display is $1 for children, $2 for adults.

For additional information on Dr. Roth's talk April 6 or the moon rock display, please contact the Laredo Children's Museum at 725-2299. Museum hours are 1 - 5 p.m. Wednesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 - 5 p.m. Sunday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu