Tom Burns shares a laugh with families during his rocketry talk.
The Westerville Elementary Boosters hosted the first annual Starry Night astronomy festival at Westerville South High School on Sunday, April 28. More than 1,000 were in attendance for this free event featuring approximately 50 different exhibits on the intersection between science and art. Perkins Observatory Director Tom Burns gave a special presentation, and families were treated to sky shows within the inflatable planetarium. Children were delighted to drive the Frisbee-flinging robot built by the Westerville Wild Warbots, contributed to a gorgeous Starry Night mural, constructed cities of colorful boxes and tunnels and enjoyed hands-on science exhibits by the Westerville Electric Division, the Westerville Library, Inniswood Metro Gardens and many more organizations. The Columbus Astronomical Society was on hand to discuss telescope making and astrophotography, and families ended the night with a space-themed dance party, complete with out-of-this-world costumes and a live DJ. Starry Night marks the first of many science and art enrichment opportunities planned by this booster organization. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/WestervilleStarryNight.