20 August 2012
Posted in Our Planet, Our Universe

An extraordinary cluster of galaxies is continuing to shatter cosmic records! The cluster of galaxies is located nearly 7 billion light years away. It is known as SPT-CLJ2344-4243, though astronomers have given it a less formal nickname: the Phoenix Cluster. Named after the constellation it resides in, the cluster appears to contain thousands of galaxies within it, with each varying in size to that of a dwarf galaxy (a small galaxy comprised of several billion stars) to clusters of stars the size of the Milky Way galaxy.

The Phoenix Cluster is unlike anything astronomers have ever seen before; it is about 2,000 times the apparent mass of the Milky Way. Or to put things in better perspective, 2.5 quadrillion times the mass of the sun!

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20 August 2012
Posted in Celebration of Running

Three thousand runners and walkers of all ages laced up their running shoes on Saturday to beat feet for science! Check out these great photos of all the dedicated people who came out for the Track Shack’s Celebration of Running 5K presented by Florida Hospital.

Proceeds of the event, courtesy of the Track Shack Foundation, support the Orlando Science Center’s educational programs and our mission to “inspire science learning for life.” Runners and walkers started at the Orlando Science Center and then enjoyed a scenic 3.1 mile course that wound through some of Orlando’s most beautiful, historic neighborhoods. For more information on the race, visit www.trackshack.com.

20 August 2012
Posted in Press and Media

Enjoy All The Orlando Science Center Has To Offer For Only $5 Thanks To The Walmart Foundation

Sunday, August 26 – 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 13, 2012) – The Orlando Science Center, in partnership with the Walmart Foundation, has announced the next Walmart $5 Day will be August 26. On that day, guests can enjoy exhibits, giant screen films and live programs for the significantly discounted price of $5. General admission fees are usually $17 for adults and $12 for kids (ages 3-11). For many, this event presents the opportunity to experience the Science Center for the first time.

“Walmart is dedicated to giving back to the communities where our employees and customers work and play, said Steven Daniel, Walmart Market Manager for Central Florida. “Walmart $5 Day is special to us because it provides families a very fun and engaging activity while, at the same time, encourages learning and discovery.”

Enjoy all the Science Center has to offer including live swamp critters in NatureWorks, dinosaur fossil replicas in DinoDigs and pinewood derby races in Science Park. And for the littlest learners, KidsTown enables preschool-aged children to explore their world in a town designed just for them. Hands-on interactives include an automotive garage and an orange juice processing plant that invites the joyful, creative play that is so important to the cognitive development of young children. And open all day is Dr. Dare’s Lab; become a scientist for the day and perform hands-on experiments under the guidance of a trained instructor.

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15 August 2012
Posted in Green Building Project

Orlando Science Center Brings Home The Gold!

Orlando Science Center Awarded Prestigious LEED® Green Building Certification

ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 15, 2012) - The Orlando Science Center announced today that it has been awarded LEED® Gold status. The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.

The Science Center is the first nonprofit in Florida to declare LEED® Gold status and the first LEED® Gold building in the city of Orlando under the Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance standard.

“This designation is a testament to the Science Center’s commitment to environmental sustainability,” said JoAnn Newman, Orlando Science Center President and CEO. “Retrofitting our building and attaining LEED Gold status provides a powerful community forum to promote how we can all use science and technology to make our world better.”

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15 August 2012
Posted in NatureWorks

At 164.5 pounds and 17.5 feet long, researchers and scientists of the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida are currently examining the largest Burmese python ever found in Florida! The Burmese python, which was also pregnant with 87 eggs (setting yet another record), was found in the Everglades and has shed some light on how dangerously comfortable this species has become in its new home.

The Burmese python is one of the six largest snakes in the world and is native to both tropic and sub-tropic areas of Southern and Southeast Asia. This species was first observed in the Everglades National Park in 1979.

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09 August 2012
Posted in NatureWorks

We see lizards scurrying around on sidewalks, buildings and just about everywhere, but have you ever stopped to wonder exactly what type of lizard they are? The two most common lizards to Florida are the green anole and the brown anole. However, do not be fooled by their similar names because these critters have their differences.

The green anole, also known as the Carolina anole, is the only anole species native to Florida. They are small lizards usually ranging from six to eight inches long – about half of which is comprised by its tail. It is also mainly an arboreal species, meaning they are primarily found living in trees or branches of trees.

The green anole's colors range from the brightest of greens to the darkest of browns, the latter of which typically indicates distress. Their diets consist mainly of small insects such as crickets and grasshoppers, but they have also been known to consume grasses as well.

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