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Astronomer Vera Rubin: an Inspiring Woman in Science
Submitted by Heather Beasley
Boulder
Northern and Northeastern Colorado
Vera Rubin is an astronomer, fascinated by the curious things she sees among the stars. In 1962, she came up with a thrilling idea that solved one of astrophysics’ biggest puzzles: the concept of dark matter. But many people around her don’t even think women should be studying science! Can Vera really change the way people think about the universe?
The Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC) and Fiske Planetarium have been working together for the past two years to create a very special live theatre/film experience inside the planetarium dome. We want to share Dr. Rubin’s story with young audiences because she was a trailblazer for women in astronomy, and because she changed humans’ understanding of the universe with her discoveries.
Girl Scouts should know about Dr. Rubin’s astronomical work, but she is also an interesting person because she was a mentor to many other women astronomers. She also raised four children with her husband, and all four became scientists!
Our show is a wonderful introduction to her work, and also to key concepts in astronomy such as galaxy types, gravitational force, and the spectrum of visible light. This half-hour performance is suitable for theatregoers of elementary-school age and older. Vera’s story will resonate with people of all ages. One of the first efforts of its kind in the United States, this production combines live performance with state-of-the-art planetarium projection technologies for an immersive experience you’ll enjoy and remember.
Tickets are available through the BETC website, betc.org/verarubin, or at the Fiske Planetarium box office.
On Saturday 1/30 for the 4 p.m. show, Scouts and their leaders and families can purchase $5 tickets with the discount code SCOUTS. For other performances, tickets are $15 general admission, $10/students.
The show runs January 23rd-February 6th at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Please check betc.org/verarubin for show times, dates, and more information.
This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too.