A favorite children's book series is making maiden voyages into the final frontier, and its next launch blasts off at Smith Planetarium in Chickamauga, Ga.
In Magic Tree House: Space Mission, a mysterious "M" sends sibling adventurers Jack and Annie on a fun-filled journey to discover the secrets of the sun, moon, planets and space travel. Smith Planetarium, 409 Pond Springs Road, is set for two presentations of the program: at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7.
Space Mission was developed by the University of North Carolina's Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in partnership with Magic Tree House authors Will and Mary Pope Osborne. It was written by Will Osborne, co-author of "Space," the nonfiction companion and research guide to the Magic Tree House book "Midnight on the Moon." This is the first time the blockbuster book franchise has been developed for multimedia exposure in full-dome planetariums.
Books in the Magic Tree House series are perennial best-sellers that have been published in more than 30 countries and in 29 languages. More than 70 books in the series have been sold in North America alone. The information is especially designed for ages 5 to 10 but would be of interest to all ages.
The program begins with a survey of the sky, followed by a stargazing program that highlights prominent and easy-to-find stars and constellations of the summer season. Total time in the planetarium is about an hour.
No admission fees are charged for public programs at Smith Planetarium, but donations are appreciated.
For more information, call 706-375-3493.