Silent Sky and Astronomy Encounters
Join us in celebrating the incredible story of Silent Sky, a powerful play that highlights the groundbreaking work of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. Henrietta was one of Harvard’s first female “computers” and made significant contributions to our understanding of the cosmos. Enhance your experience by participating in one of these special astronomy-related activities.
Group Discussions with Astronomer Matthias Schmitt
Explore Dark Sky Science with Astronomer Matthias Schmitt from Cedar Break National Monument on Tuesdays or Wednesdays after the matinee performance of Silent Sky (September 3, 11, 18, 25). Gather in the Balcony Bard’s Seminar Grove for an engaging discussion from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Come check out the reproduction plates and fly spankers mentioned in the play that were used to uncover the mysteries of variable stars.
Schmitt says: “Silent Sky reminds us that breakthroughs in science and especially astronomy take dedication and grit over long periods. Sometimes, astronomers who work on big questions never find the answer in their lifetime. Henrietta Leavitt discovered the period-luminosity relationship of variable stars that helps us determine distances to extragalactic objects. Her work should have won a Nobel Prize, but unfortunately, she passed away too early. Astronomy surrounds us, and we encounter it daily, especially with our closest star, the Sun. Silent Sky allows visitors to travel back in time and see Leavitt’s and other women’s work at the Harvard College Observatory. Astronomy can be funny, as the play shows. We at Cedar Breaks are grateful to support the Festival with astronomy talks during the day and evening, so guests can understand the monumental achievement of Henrietta’s work. Come touch the stars with us.”
Play Seminars with Astronomer Cameron Pace
Astronomer Cameron Pace joins our regularly scheduled Play Seminars in the Balcony Bard’s Seminar Grove on the following dates:
August 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 - 9:00 a.m.
September 4, 6, 12, 19, 26 - 9:00 a.m.
September 11, 18, 25 - 10:00 a.m.
Dark Sky Tours at Cedar Breaks National Monument
Join park rangers from Cedar Breaks National Monument and learn more about the area’s viewable astronomy, including stars, planets, and nebulas at one of the nation’s officially designated International Dark Sky Parks. Experience a nighttime of wonder and observe astronomical features through telescopes. These programs will be conducted every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Point Supreme Overlook, which sits at 10,350 feet elevation.
6:30 p.m. - Solar Viewing
8:00 p.m. - Astronomy Talk
8:00-10:00 p.m. - Telescope Viewing
Ashcroft Observatory Public Night
Experience the cosmos at the Ashcroft Observatory located at 745 Hillcrest Dr, Cedar City. Join us every Monday night at sunset for a public viewing session.
Let’s honor the women who have shaped science and continue to inspire future generations! Come and immerse yourself in the stars after witnessing the inspiring story of Silent Sky! For more information, visit bard.org/plays/astronomy-encounters or call 800-PLAYTIX.
