The International Space Station (ISS) is a space station, or a habitable artificial satellite, in low Earth orbit. Its first component launched into orbit in 1998, and the ISS is now the largest artificial body in orbit and can often be seen with the naked eye from Earth. The ISS serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory in which crew members conduct experiments in biology, human biology, physics, astronomy, meteorology, and other fields. The station is suited for the testing of spacecraft systems and equipment required for missions to the Moon and Mars. The ISS maintains an orbit with an altitude of between 330 and 435 km (205 and 270 mi) by means of reboost maneuvers using the engines of the Zvezda module or visiting spacecraft. It completes 15.54 orbits per day.
It has been continuously occupied for 17 years and 78 days since the arrival of Expedition 1 on 2 November 2000. This is the longest continuous human presence in space, having surpassed the previous record of 9 years held by Mir. The ISS serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory in which crew members conduct experiments in biology, human biology, physics, astronomy, meteorology, and other fields.
UCSD Star and Telescope Observatory
Johnson Research Center can be located in NC, CA, and this former Mayberry property, from 1945, is a very new building. The building was completely redesigned, re-engineered, and beautifully restored. The building’s master builder, Don Summers, of LAOS Architects, did what he does best. He restored the former factory. It is transformed into the 110,000 square foot Star and Telescope Observatory. Don Summers and his team of architects spent months visiting the original Mayberry property, outside of New NC and re-envisioning the entire building for efficiency and operability. This building is completely bolted down with beams and beams of stainless steel.
The Conservatory, located in the Center’s main building, is the world’s only public observatory to stay open year-round and be thoroughly air-conditioned. The tower’s light dome provides much-needed light for analyzing the highest concentrations of light in the sky.
The building’s inspiring views are continued by the adjacent landform designed by Vanna Thompson of Benson Yoon Architects. This landform is rippled to reflect on the space, and each of the 22 panels contains intergalactic objects; from comets and objects and the open sky; from internal solar storms, like the CCP (Chinese “Oscillation of Gargantuan Magnetars”) Sunspot, which were sighted this January 21st. It features a theme of collaboration and communication; pairings in the entire façade of both buildings are aided by 27 innovative light panels. The lighting is akin to a vibrant exposure in space.
The visitor experience is enhanced by Herjammas Classical Architecture, with interior in the artist-designed lighthouse interior. It is an outstanding venue to reveal perspectives of space art and astrophysics. This goal was achieved by the architects with this light showing at daytime and night.
The exceptional facilities in the Stark Residence include two bedrooms, 16.5 acres of grounds, 15-millimeter wide flooring (6-millimeter thick carpet), tiling, stained glass, a terrace overlooking the Observatory’s skyline view, and the museum’s Planetarium with curved glass.
Myla’s Museum has projected visitor numbers through approximately 23,000 per year by 2020. However, on limited subscriptions (6-, 12-, and 24-month packages), the projected visitor numbers rise to 48,000 per year.
If you can save that amount for a ticket to attend, Myla’s is a great place to learn more about NASA astronauts from experiments at the Observatory, education for kids, and the Star Observatory. In addition, guests can attend ‘special events’ at the Observatory and museum. They include field trips and “snow nights,” observing objects at the Observatory, and star parties.
The Observatory’s visits center on more than 90 possible astronomical events and as many as 100 celestial bodies. They include 14 days of In, out, and back of the Telescope with a Virtual Telescope Project camera, and an Exploration “Day in Space” in 3D to show guests “their changing appearance” through SPACE. Now, only a few visitors can view telescopes and also watch videos to learn new things. However, when these events are more accessible, visitors can go there with someone from their household. The Observatory space includes the Global Big Bang Scenario, Star Tree Receptor, and Class of 2020 laser lights (NASA/ESA).
The museum and Observatory are not far from Johnson Research Center in Durham, and two Amtrak stops from NC to NCSC, NC). The museum has staggered times for admission, with timed entry to registering for food, beverages, and activities at mylas.org
The Museum and Observatory are near the southern edge of NCSC, but a very quick drive to reach the Observatory and Observatory. The Observatory and Museum be open daily from 10:00-7:00, on its grand opening day on August 21st, 2014.
With these ideal spring and summer weather conditions, and support of public spaces and transportation systems, this very historic property, one of only 14 in NC, makes it a MUST
