star gazing

The unlimited void that is our outer space is such a fascinating and mind blowing concept to me. I can stare at the night sky for hours, allowing myself to see new depths of space and wondering what the heck is out there. I would love to be able to visit some day.

So, back in March (we're going to play catch up), Chris and I decided it would be fun to go to the planetarium to learn more about space. The closest one to us is the Vanderbilt Planetarium at the Vanderbilt Museum.

I believe the last time I was at this, or any, planetarium, it was in the 80's for a school field trip. Well this one had not changed since then. Outside, while we waited for the previous show to end, we perused the dioramas and informative displays. Inside, there were these amazing red velvet seats, none of which had any spring left in them. After some technical difficulties, the show started, and we were star gazing inside. It was fun and somewhat informative on a very elementary level.

At the entry

Afterwards, we wandered around the gold coast era mansion and grounds where William K Vanderbilt II lived.

He traveled the world after making his fortune, and brought back and collected an eclectic variety of things that are now housed at his mansion.  

Next time we go back well take a tour of the house. And the planetarium is being renovated, opening spring 2012, making it one of the best planetariums in the US. We will let you know!

snorting at the warthog

shenanigans in the well