Frozen in Space
This year the Canada Aviation and Space Museum is inviting you to kick off Winterlude with cool science adventures. Join us for Frozen in Space, a day long event with hands on family activities that demystify flying and living in Space at below freezing temperatures. Be sure to take up the Astronaut and Great Canadian Snowball Challenges, plus test your piloting skills on a flight simulator.
For a second year, Winterlude will celebrate Cool Science in the National Capital Region! But this year a larger number of partners will dazzle you with cool science demos in the three museums, each Saturday of Winterlude. (Free program however regular admission fees apply).
Partners:
Snowbirds Demonstration Team
Come and visit with two of the members of the Snowbirds Aerobatics Team and tell them why you think it would be "cool" to pilot an aircraft! Have a Snowbirds' pilot or technician show you how to fly their aircraft as you climb into the cockpit of the CT-114 Tutor. Do not forget to ask them for an autograph!
Canadian Space Agency
Is it hot or cold in space? Visit the Cool Science Saturday booth of the Canadian Space Agency to find out and to learn about spacesuits and the upcoming mission of Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. In November 2012, Chris will launch aboard a Soyuz spacecraft to reach the International Space Station (ISS) where he will live and work for six months as part of the crew of Expedition 34/35. During the second half of his mission Chris will become the first Canadian Commander of the ISS–a milestone for Canadian space exploration.
Ms. Jamie Sevigny, Project Manager and former Robotics Instructor at the CSA, will also discuss both topics during a special bilingual presentation entitled "A suit tailored for space exploration… and Chris' World Tour!". Come ask your questions!
- 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Bush Theatre
- 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Main Theatre
***CSA Astronaut Jeremy Hansen will be joining in by videoconference from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. to answer your questions!
Winter Wizardry Magic Show
Magician Chris Pilsworth has lowered the temperature of his bag of tricks to bring you cool magic that is chilled to perfection! See Chris transform a clear glass of water into ice, then change it back into water. Discover the mystery of dry ice; you must see it to believe it. Behold the creation of a mini snowstorm. During Winterlude, this show is where all the cool people will be. So don't miss it!
Carleton University
The Space Exploration Engineering Group at Carleton University works on cutting edge research in space technologies for exploration of space. The group recently finished working on major parts of Kapvik, a multi-functional microrover for Mars exploration funded by the Canadian Space Agency. http://seeg.mae.carleton.ca. Watch as they move and manipulate a rover called the Husky safely across the Museum floor!
Ottawa International Airport
Winter weather presents many challenges to airports and airlines. See how the Ottawa International Airport team ensures that runways are cleared, airplanes are deiced and how the operation changes to ensure that passengers can travel – even in the most extreme weather conditions.
Professional Engineers of Ontario
The Professional Engineers of Ontario will join in Cool Science and host a day long K'nex Build event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rockcliffe Flying Club
Ever wondered what it is like driving a snow plow? The Rockcliffe Flying Club has to keep its runway clear for all of its own, as well as visiting aircraft. Climb aboard the snow plow used to do just this task! *Weather permitting.*
Squadron 51 Air Cadets
The cadets are setting up a winter survival camp just outside the Museum's front entrance. Come and see what a winter camp looks like and how the cadets stay warm outside during those cold winter months.
Family Activities:
Great Canadian Snowball Challenge
Weather permitting
How far can you throw a snowball? Come and test your skill at one of Canada's most enjoyable winter activities that's fun for both young and old: snowball throwing! The whole family can participate as they use a variety of launching tools and see how far their snowballs will fly.
Astronaut Challenge
Becoming an astronaut is not easy. Given all the physical training and the challenge of living in an environment so different from what we're used to here on Earth, not everyone is suitable for this occupation. Take the Astronaut Challenge to test your physical skills and dexterity, and find out if you have what it takes to travel into space and live aboard the International Space Station.
Opening hours of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Regular schedule: Wednesday to Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Tuesdays except statutory and school holidays.
Closed Christmas Day. Open New Year’s Day.
Aviation and Rockcliffe Parkways.
