Inflatable planetarium will show local sky

Children will have a unique opportunity to learn about the night sky above Cape Ann on Wednesday, June 24, when the Museum of Science Starlab portable planetarium is set up in the Rockport Elementary School gym. Two ‘Night Sky’ programs will be presented, one at 1:00 and the other at 1:45 p.m. as part of the Rockport Public Library Summer Reading program, Starship Adventure @ Your Library.

The Starlab portable planetarium will present a realistic dark, cloudless night sky over Rockport on June 24. Children will discover what stars, planets, and other astronomical wonders are visible. With the addition of video images and simulations, they will get an up-close look at some of the most distant objects that can be seen from Earth. They will tour the solar system and beyond and learn how to navigate the night sky from their own backyards.

The Night Sky program is appropriate for children 6 and older. Youngsters who are 6 to 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Advance registration with the Children’s Librarian at 978-546-6934 is required.

The next event in the summer reading program will take place’weather permitting’on, Wednesday, July 8. Local children will greet youngsters from across the North Shore who arrive on the 11:25 train to share in the Storytime Fun in Millbrook Meadow. The afternoon features story’telling, music, and ‘tattooing’. Bring your own lunch. The children’s summer reading programs have been funded by the Friends of the Rockport Public Library.