Space Center Houston to hold Virtual Campout

Photo Courtesy: NASA, ESA and the HST Frontier Fields team (STScI), Acknowledgement: Judy Schmidt (HOUSTON, Texas) Space Center Houston is holding a virtual campout this Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and everyone is invited. Organizers said the new program is for guests who would like to experience Space Center Houston's Camp-In program but are unable to attend because of the center's closure. Campers will be able to explore the stars with the center in real time, use household items to partake in engaging hands-on activities, and tour space artifacts virtually with the center’s app. The event is a pay-what-you-can event, even if that means nothing. “We recognize the financial difficulties the COVID-19 crisis has created for many people, and we want everyone to be able to participate and enjoy these educational and fun programs without price being a barrier,” organizers said. “As a result, we are offering this Campout to anyone who would like to participate and ask you pay whatever you are comfortable paying. Please enter the amount you are able to pay per person. If you are not able to pay, please enter "0" in the blank during registration.” Campers are asked to register here by May 6: https://tickets.spacecenter.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?CG=virtualcampoutcg&C=virtualcampoutc&_ga=2.257871688.2126647954.1588604243-1435619619.1588604243 Virtual Campout Tips After registering, you will receive a confirmation email withing 24 hours containing the following items: Virtual Campout instructions A link to the virtual event A list of activity supplies to help you and your family prepare for hands-on experiences taught by our Space Center Houston instructors. These are typical household items that can be used for the activities. It is recommended you download the Space Center Houston app so you can learn about space exploration before we start the event. If you have a telescope or binoculars, get them ready to bring to the event. If you do not have a telescope or binoculars, no worries! Download the free SkyView Lite app and explore the stars with us in real time. (Be sure to install any app updates too.) For a stronger internet connection when farther away from your router use 2.4ghz instead of 5.0ghz Turn off other internet connected devices not being used during the event (tablets, cell phones, computers, laptops, smart TVs, smart home devices, video game systems, etc.) Have your supplies and campsite ready prior to the start of the event. The event can be viewed through a web browser. You do not need the Microsoft Teams app downloaded. AGENDA 6-6:30 p.m. – Set up your tents and share photos on social media using the hashtag #SpaceCenterHOU 6:30-7 p.m. – Download the free Space Center Houston app to tour some of the center exhibits virtually 6:45-7 p.m. – Log into event 7 p.m. – Welcome show 7:10 p.m. – Guest speaker 7:30 p.m. – First activity 7:55 p.m. – Handover 8 p.m. – Second activity 8:25 p.m. – Handover 8:30 p.m. – Third activity 9 p.m. – End of event