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Pit Talk

Scientists kick off "Out to Lunch with Science 360" series with weather talk

Professional and amateur scientists will descend on Morehead Planetarium this week for involved discussions.

The Morehead Planetarium is hosting “Out to Lunch with Science 360,” an interactive science series sponsored by the 2010 North Carolina Science Festival, a statewide celebration of science.

The festival features hands-on activities, lab tours, science talks, exhibits, performances and events.

The five-event series began Tuesday with “Predicting Severe Weather.” The presentation focused on the difficulties meteorologists face in forecasting weather.

“Science is undervalued,” said Jonathan Blaes of the National Weather Service, who spoke at the event. “People want quick information without understanding.”

Blaes emphasized the importance of innovative technology in predicting severe weather.

He described Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay, a new technology that uses commercial aircraft to collect meteorological data.

The presentation was followed by a brief question and answer session, which allowed audience members to interact with Blaes.

Jennifer Craven and Susan Brown, who both home school their children, said the presentation was effective in communicating science to their children.

Brown added that the presentation allowed for direct involvement with a real meteorologist, an opportunity television does not provide.

Blaes said he was impressed with the audience’s participation.

“As a scientist, I can’t be more excited about that,” he said.

The audience interaction also impressed the University’s Science 360 team.

Project Manager Amy Sayle and Project Coordinators Erik MacIntosh and Casey Rawson said they were pleased with the turnout in the first event of the series.

Other presentations of the series include “Why Antimatter Matters,” “Mission to Mars” and “The Truth Behind 2012.”

All events will be from 12 to 1 p.m. and free to participants.

The series will culminate with a presentation by the cast of the Discovery Channel show “Mythbusters” on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Dean E. Smith Center.

Tickets to that event are on sale now and cost $18 to $100.

For schedules and more information, visit the Morehead Planetarium’s Web site at www.moreheadplanetarium.org.

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