What does it take to survive in space? Could you survive in outer space? Explore this topic with us all month at Discovery Place Nature through fun programs and challenges designed to increase your knowledge and improve your skills!

We’ll begin by examining how astronauts work in their Strenuous Space Suits. On July 3 and July 6, try your hand at four simple tasks that may not end up being so simple after all. Then, on July 10, head to the museum for a Robotic Arm Challenge that teaches us how astronauts manage to get their work done in outer space. Come test out your maneuvering skills!

Blast Off on July 16 with fun activities to remember the Apollo 11 launch 50 years ago. Start off by watching actual launch footage from the Apollo 11 mission. Then, take part in a stomp rocket challenge, build your own rocket ship and learn more about early space exploration.

On July 17 and July 23, take part in an Asteroid Toss as we see how many asteroid collisions we can get. And on July 20, we’ll celebrate the Man on the Moon by exploring space science all morning long.

Become an astronomer on July 24 as we make our own Tremendous Telescopes to examine the night sky. Plus, on July 27 and again on July 31, guests will learn about the geology of the moon and make their own Moon Rocks to take home.

Other out-of-this-world programming includes:

• A Special Planetarium Show on Tuesday evenings. The weekly shows feature topics ranging from the power of our sun to areas in the night sky that are devoid of stars.
• Daily Seasonal Stargazing in which visitors can gaze up at the summer stars and constellations in a 15-minute guided tour of the night sky in the Discovery Place Nature planetarium.
• One World, One Sky invites guests to join Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from "Zhima Jie," the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. They also journey to Zhima Jie to learn about the similarities in our view of the sky.

Across the (Discovery Place) universe

Discovery Place Nature isn’t our only Museum living in outer space this month. Be sure to check out the fun space-related activities taking place at Discovery Place Science, Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville and Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham, too.

Our space invasion will continue through September, with new and exciting intergalactic adventures taking place each month. You’ll be over the moon with all the amazing activities taking place at each location!