WPBT2 Unveils New Series To Succeed Jack Horkheimer’s Star Gazer
CONTACT:
Cammy Richards
Director Communications
WPBT2
305-424-4013
cammy_richards@wpbt.org
Kristina Gutierrez
Supervisor of Community Outreach/Events
WPBT2
305-424-4025
kristina_gutierrez@wpbt.org
Miami, FL, July 10, 2011- WPBT2 announces its new astronomy series that builds on the legacy of Jack Horkheimer’s award-winning series. Star Gazers will be co-hosted by James Albury, coordinator of the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium; and Dean Regas, outreach astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory.
The Miami Science Museum, the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium at Santa Fe College and the Cincinnati Observatory are partnering in the production with WPBT2-TV. Starting October 4, 2011, Albury and Regas will appear together talking about what’s happening in the night sky and encouraging their viewers to “Keep looking up!”
“This is going to be an exciting opportunity for not only Santa Fe College, but our entire community,” says Albury. Regas adds, “We’ll be able to take our viewers to the edge of the universe, demonstrate the workings of the heavens, and have them back home in time to step outside and observe the real thing.”
Star Gazers will also feature its first female co-host, Marlene Hidalgo, a seasoned science teacher from Miami, who has worked within the private and public school sector for over 10 years. Hidalgo will be a periodic co-host with Albury and Regas and will also be hosting a classroom-specific version of the series that will be accessible on the Star Gazers’ website.
“I’m excited to be a part of this unique team and look forward to bringing the excitement of astronomy to our classrooms,” said Hidalgo.
Set your astronomical clocks to October 4, 2011 for the all new, Star Gazers, and follow James and Dean online at www.stargazersonline.org. Share your images and opinions, ask Albury and Regas questions about our celestial universe and look for great classroom content from Hidalgo that will encourage young audience to explore the night skies.
About WPBT
South Florida’s premier public broadcaster, WPBT2, is a community-licensed, not-for-profit media enterprise serving communities from the Treasure Coast to the Florida Keys. WPBT2 provides high quality content from PBS, independent acquisitions and its own original productions. WPBT2’s digital media platform, offers: 2HD, a 24-hour high definition channel; Digital 2.2, a mix of Science & Nature Channel, The Florida Channel and Create; Digital 2.3, V-me, a 24-hour national Spanish-language network; and www.wpbt2.org, the WPBT2 website including, Impromp2 (a community blog), the WPBT2 Video Player and uVu, a video sharing website.
About the Miami Science Museum
Miami Science Museum aims to make a difference in people’s lives by inspiring them to appreciate the impact that science and technology can have on every facet of our world. For over 60 years, Miami Science Museum’s award-winning educational programs, family-focused exhibits, historic planetarium, and rehabilitative Wildlife Center and Clinic have enriched locals
and tourists alike. In 2014, the legacy continues with the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, a new world-class, state-of-the-art facility designed by Grimshaw Architects in the heart of downtown Miami. Miami Science Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution
About Cincinnati Observatory
The Cincinnati Observatory is a fully functioning 19th century observatory used daily by the public and amateur astronomers, civic organizations, teachers and students, history buffs and science mavens. The main telescopes are an 11 inch Merz and Mahler refractor purchased in 1842 and a 16 inch Alvan Clark refractor dating to 1904. The historic buildings are recognized as a National Historic Landmark and the grounds provide a serene, park-like setting while still being centrally located in the city of Cincinnati.”
About Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
Since 2006, the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium has been dedicated to enriching the learning environment of Santa Fe College students and our community. We employ the latest educationally innovative technology in a unique immersive-learning environment for Santa Fe and University of Florida students, public and private school children, community groups, and the public of North Central Florida.
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PHOTOS:
01. Star Gazers hosts Dean Regas, James Albury and Marlene Hidalgo
