Manitoba Museum’s Dome@Home is going to NASA!

The Manitoba Museum’s popular live-streamed astronomy program will be hitting the road on October 11 and 12, and will be offering some incredible behind-the-scenes access to NASA’s Psyche Mission Launch…

Manitoba Museum’s Dome@Home is going to NASA!

Posted on by Rebecca Watson

Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Arizona State Univ./Space Systems Loral/Peter Rubin

Winnipeg, MB: September 27, 2023 – The Manitoba Museum’s popular live-streamed astronomy program will be hitting the road on October 11 and 12, and will be offering some incredible behind-the-scenes access to NASA’s Psyche Mission Launch from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

Planetarium Astronomer and Dome@Home host Scott Young has been invited as a special social media influencer to witness and share the planned launch of NASA’s Psyche spacecraft. Young will also take part in facilities tours of Kennedy Space Centre and have the opportunity to interview various mission scientists and engineers.

“I’m thrilled to be invited to Kennedy Space Center to cover the launch of the Psyche mission. We routinely do live events for NASA missions as part of our award-winning Dome@Home series, but actually being there at the launch site will be amazing. I’m looking forward to having behind-the-scenes access to the people and places at Kennedy Space Center, and bringing all of that back to our viewers in real-time. We’ll also be collecting images and video for future planetarium show productions.” says Young.

The asteroid Psyche is a 170-mile-wide (280 kilometers) asteroid which orbits the Sun in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Scientists hypothesize that Psyche is a metal-rich asteroid; it is estimated that the asteroid’s metal content could be worth $10 quintillion dollars (that’s a 10 followed by 18 zeros!). However, NASA’s Psyche mission is not a mining mission. The Psyche probe’s goal will be used to better understand the structure and composition of the asteroid for purely scientific purposes.

The launch, which is planned for 9:16 am Winnipeg time on October 12, will see NASA’s Psyche spacecraft lift off atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, reaching its final destination by summer 2029.

“For something so small, asteroids are very important in terms of science. They’re basically left-overs from the formation of the solar system, preserved in the deep freeze of outer space, just waiting to share their secrets with us. Psyche specifically is probably the core of a planet that never fully formed, which is why it’s made of mostly metal. It is the only planetary core we can study, because all of the other ones are deep inside planets.” says Young.

Young has been an informal science educator for over thirty years, working in the planetarium and science centre field both at the Manitoba Museum and also at the Alice G. Wallace Planetarium in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He is also a past-President of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Young also has a claim to fame in the night sky. In 2003, Young had an asteroid officially named after him by the International Astronomical Union: Asteroid 14698 scottyoung is about two and a half times as far from the sun as the earth, and makes one revolution around the sun every 1,375 days.

In January 2021, Young launched Dome@Home, a popular online astronomy program which resulted from the pandemic, but which has continued to run each month due to positive public response. In 2022 Dome@Home was awarded the 2022 CASCADE Best Program Award from the Canadian Association of Science Centres.

“Through his work, which is infused with equal parts knowledge and passion, Scott inspires us all to explore the vast universe that surrounds us and discover the boundless wonders of our world.” says Zoë McQuinn, Director of Learning & Engagement at the Manitoba Museum.

Follow along with Young and Dome@Home on our Facebook page on October 11 and 12 to witness the Psyche spacecraft launch and see some behind-the-scenes action at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre.

UPDATE 09-29-2023: The date for the launch has changed. Previous versions of this press release noted October 5 as the launch date. NASA has rescheduled for launch on October 12.

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Media Contacts:
Brandi Hayberg
Manager of Marketing & Communications
204-988-0614
bhayberg@manitobamusuem.ca

Scott Young
Planetarium Astronomer
204-988-0627
scyoung@manitobamuseum.ca

Manitoba Museum honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Posted on by Rebecca Watson
A word graphic. On a teal circle to the right is an orange t-shirt with the words “Every Child Matters” on the front accompanied by a floral motif. Text to the left of it reads “Orange Shirt Days @ the Manitoba Museum / Every Child Matters / Sep 30 – Oct 2 / Complimentary admission. No ticket required.”

Winnipeg, MB: September 26, 2023 – To honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, the Manitoba Museum will provide complimentary admission to all three museum attractions from Saturday, September 30 to Monday, October 2.

Orange Shirt Days @ the Manitoba Museum will offer visitors special, all-day programming focused on the history and the impacts of Indian Residential Schools, as well as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Calls to Action.

“Today and every day, every child matters. During this time of reflection, we invite Manitobans to consider that there are two distinct aspects to this important day: Truth and Reconciliation. The truth is painful and uncomfortable, it requires acknowledgement, an open heart, and an open mind. We listen, learn, reflect, and ultimately become aware of our shameful past.” says Dorota Blumczyńska, CEO, Manitoba Museum.

“Reconciliation, however, is most importantly expressed in action. As a community we must support Indigenous families in their pursuit of justice. We must ensure that the children who never came home from Indian Residential Schools are not forgotten, that those who survived are loved and cared for, and that all Indigenous peoples are honoured, in life and beyond. The Manitoba Museum is committed to the work of sharing truth, so that each of us can be a part of the journey towards reconciliation.” adds Blumczyńska.

Throughout the Museum, visitors will find many exhibits related to the history of Indian Residential Schools and other topics related to the TRC Calls to Action. Everyone will have the opportunity walk a path of learning, ending in a collaborative art installation and reflection wall which will allow them to share their thoughts on what they’ve learned and to commit to taking action, individually and as a community, towards reconciliation.

“We must have patience and empathy for survivors and their families,” says Tashina Houle-Schlup, Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement. “Considering intergenerational trauma, it is vital to respect that healing takes time. Murray Sinclair said it best, ‘Reconciliation is a very simple concept, and it’s about being friends.’ Ask yourself how you would support your friends after they’ve been through trauma. We must consider how we can take action in our lives, workplaces, and schools toward contributing to truth and reconciliation. As a source of history and education, the Manitoba Museum strives to share the truth about the injustices that Indigenous people face and have faced, and is committed to providing the tools needed to help our visitors learn, reflect and heal.”

Orange Shirt Days will include other special programming such daily powwow performances by Beautiful Cloud Company, pop-up exhibits and videos from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, a pop-up art exhibit from Mackay Residential School Gathering Inc and more.

The exterior of the Museum will be flooded with orange lights from September 30 to October 2 with orange ribbons tied to its Rupert Avenue railings.

Thank you to our program partners: The National Center for Truth and Reconciliation, Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, National Indigenous Residential School Museum, Parks Canada, the Mackay Residential School Gathering Inc., the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre, and all the community members who supported Orange Shirt Days @ the Manitoba Museum.

 

National Center for Truth and Reconciliation logo

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Media Contact:
Brandi Hayberg
Manager of Marketing & Communications
204-988-0614
bhayberg@manitobamusuem.ca

See October’s Eclipse (safely!)

Posted on by Scott Young

UPDATED: Oct. 6, 2023

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, worlds will align. The Moon will pass between the Sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on our planet that will sweep across North America. For viewers in a narrow path from Oregon through Texas and into Central America and Brazil, the Moon will appear to almost cover the sun, leaving a thin ring of sunlight around its edge: an annular (or ring) eclipse. 

For most of the rest of the continent, the alignment isn’t perfectly central. The Moon will cover only a part of the Sun, resulting in a partial eclipse. NO matter where you are, a solar eclipse is still a fascinating chance to see the solar system’s motion in action in real time

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING:

The Sun is very bright, and if you look at it too long you will damage your eyes permanently. It’s no more dangerous during an eclipse than it is any other time, but people don’t usually stare at the sun for three hours except during an eclipse. A partial or annular eclipse is still too bright to safely observe without special eye protection.

So how can you observe the eclipse safely? 

Other safe solar filters include a #14 welder’s glass (ONLY #14, the lower numbers are not safe for solar viewing), and special solar filters sold by telescope stores. Again, avoid online dealers you’ve never dealt with before. No other material is safe, despite what you might read online. You can’t use dark glass, mylar balloon material, exposed photographic film, or CDs to watch the eclipse.

 

Two pairs of eclipse glasses on a glass shelf below two racks full of unfolded eclipse glasses. One pair features a design with a close-up of the sun, and the other features a solar eclipse. The Manitoba Museum logo is on the arm of the glasses.

The safest way to observe the eclipse is by using special solar eclipse glasses from a certified dealer. You can get them at the Manitoba Museum’s giftshop for $3 a pair (discounts for class sets of 25 are available). You can email the shop to reserve your pair, or arrange for class sets for your school. Do not order them online at this point, as unfortunately there are more fake eclipse glasses than real ones available this close to the event. Saving a dollar while risking your eyesight for the rest of your life is not worth it. (Besides, all money spent at the Museum’s Shop goes to support our programs and activities!)

Buy your eclipse glasses today!

If you’d like a closer view of the eclipse, you can follow these instructions to make a solar projector out of a pair of binoculars and some cardboard.

Another safe way to view the eclipse is to join an eclipse party. Many astronomy clubs, planetariums, and science centres will host events to share the eclipse with their audiences. In Winnipeg, the various astronomical groups are joining forces to host a free eclipse viewing party at Assiniboine Park in the Kitchen Garden, just outside The Leaf. Solar glasses will be available, and safely-filtered telescopes will provide close-up views as the Moon moves across the sun’s face.

Circumstances for Manitoba

Eclipse PhasesTime
Eclipse Start10:28 am CDT
Eclipse Maximum11:42 am CDT
Eclipse End1:00 pm CDT

Depending on where you are, you will have a different view of the eclipse. In general, locations in the southwestern part of the province are closer to the center line, and will have a longer eclipse with more of the Sun covered. In Winnipeg, the solar disk will be about 40% covered, with a duration of just over two-and-a-half hours. In contrast, Churchill, Manitoba will only see the sun about 25% covered.

To get a detailed set of times for your location, you can visit this site and enter your location in the search bar at right. It will calculate exactly when the eclipse begins for your location and what you can expect to see.

Scott Young

Scott Young

Planetarium Astronomer

Scott is the Planetarium Astronomer at the Manitoba Museum, developing astronomy and science programs. He has been an informal science educator for thirty years, working in the planetarium and science centre field both at The Manitoba Museum and also at the Alice G. Wallace Planetarium in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Scott is an active amateur astronomer and a past-President of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Manitoba Museum “M” Reimagined for Orange Shirt Days

Posted on by Rebecca Watson

We are honoured to share this beautiful interpretation of the Manitoba Museum’s iconic “M” by Sunshine Levasseur for Orange Shirt Days.

Sunshine, a multimedia Anishinaabe Artist from Ebb and Flow First Nation, began to draw and paint as a child. Her artistry mostly consists of vibrant floral paintings on both canvas and rawhide. Growing up in a family of beadwork artists and regalia makers, she draws inspiration from personal experiences, community, and the stories and ways of her culture. Her connection with the Manitoba Museum also started when she was a child, and she fondly remembers visiting Museum’s spaces on fun outings, field trips, and for workshops. Sunshine is also pursuing her BFA at the University of Manitoba.

About the design: The woodland art style is highlighted with Ojibwe florals, vines, and leaves. This vibrant and powerful image represents the strength of our individual nations on Turtle Island. It is in a state of bloom, with roots in the leaves, stitches on the vines, and warm radiant florals that represent life as it heals and grows.

 

We invite you to join us for Orange Shirt Days @ the Manitoba Museum from September 30 to October 2, with complimentary admission from 10 am to 4 pm. This time of learning and reflection is offered in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

A word graphic. On a teal circle to the right is an orange t-shirt with the words “Every Child Matters” on the front accompanied by a floral motif. Text to the left of it reads “Orange Shirt Days @ the Manitoba Museum / Every Child Matters / Sep 30 – Oct 2 / Complimentary admission. No ticket required.”

Did you know there are TWO solar eclipses coming up?

Posted on by Rebecca Watson

Did you know there’s not one, but TWO solar eclipses coming up over the next few months?

In this video, Planetarium Astronomer Scott Young tells us when the eclipses are and why eclipse glasses are so important if you’re planning to watch them.

The Role of Museums in the Age of Truth and Reconciliation

Posted on by Rebecca Watson

By Amelia Fay, Curator of Anthropology & HBC Museum Collection

With Orange Shirt Day (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) on the horizon, folks might be thinking about their role in Truth and Reconciliation. Many Indigenous leaders have argued the need to understand the truth before reconciliation, and this is where museums can step in and play an important role.

Although museums carry a lot of colonial baggage, my colleagues and I at the Manitoba Museum (past and present) have been  working hard to make our museum a safe space to learn about history. Not only do we have some great exhibits and programs to help visitors engage with difficult histories, we also have a lot of resources available on both our website and YouTube channel that you can view from home.

Not sure where to begin? Below are a few topics that I think are a great starting place, no matter where you are in your reconciliation learning journey.

  • The colonial process in Canada started long before Confederation, so I encourage visitors to reconsider the history of the fur trade, including the early beginnings of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Watch the following video to learn more about the Hudson’s Bay Company Royal Charter.

  • What does the phrase ‘We Are All Treaty People’ mean? Visit our friends at the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba’s Agowiidiwinan Centre at the Forks and then come check out the numerous Treaty exhibits throughout the Museum Galleries.
  • Take time to learn more about Residential Schools in Manitoba, visit the schoolhouse exhibit in the Prairies Gallery and  use the digital kiosks embedded in the desks. You can also see the same information on our website when you visit ManitobaMuseum.ca/ResidentialSchools.

For many non-Indigenous readers, learning more about these topics might bring up a lot of feelings and make you uncomfortable, and that’s okay. The important thing is to not dismiss information that challenges what you knew about Canadian history, but instead sit with the discomfort and think about why you might feel this way. Part of our shared journey towards reconciliation involves hard work like this, but it’s important work that we all must undertake.

A child engaging with a digital exhibit that is embedded in a wooden school desk. An adult leans over the desk from the side, resting their hands on the edge of the desk. Behind them, another child and an adult engage with a kiosk at a second desk.

The digital kiosk in our Prairies Gallery Schoolhouse exhibit provides opportunities for learning and reflection about the truth of residential schools. Image © Manitoba Museum/Ian McCausland

During Orange Shirt Days at the Manitoba Museum, two individuals reading orange sticky notes arranged on a teal wall under headings reading, "I feel / I learned / I will".

The Orange Shirt Day Reflection Wall encourages you to share
your thoughts and make a commitment to reconciliation. Image © Manitoba Museum

A recreation of a Hudson's Bay Company trading post in the Manitoba Museum HBC Museum Collection Gallery.

Visit the HBC Gallery to learn about the history of the Fur Trade and the
relationships between Indigenous Peoples and Euro-Canadian fur traders. Image © Manitoba Museum

Join us for a time of learning, reflection, and response at Orange Shirt Days @ the Manitoba Museum. Three days of free admission to all areas September 30 to October 2. No tickets required.

Dr. Amelia Fay

Dr. Amelia Fay

Curator of Anthropology & the HBC Museum Collection

Amelia Fay is Curator of Anthropology and the HBC Museum Collection at the Manitoba Museum. She received her BA in Anthropology from the University of Manitoba (2004), an MA in Archaeology…
Meet Dr. Amelia Fay

Did you know that Star-nosed moles can smell underwater?

Posted on by Rebecca Watson

Did you know that Star-nosed moles can smell underwater? Learn more in this video with Aro, Collections Technician of Natural History.