WHAT:
New Hampshire high school students from around the state will compete in the Third Annual Astronomy Bowl.  The Astronomy Bowl tests the participant's knowledge of astronomical bodies and concepts, with images and constellations projected in the state-of-the-art planetarium theater.

The participants are from the following areas in NH: Penacook, Hopkinton, Durham,
Nashua, Laconia, Londonderry, Keene, Hanover, Concord, Hancock, Canterbury, 
Wolfeboro
And, also from the town of Hartland, VT

WHERE:
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, 2 Institute Drive, Concord.
Free parking and accessible spaces are available in the parking lot in front of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center entrance right off Institute Drive.

WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2009
5:30 p.m.: Media are invited to meet with the New Hampshire high school student participants before the Astronomy Bowl begins.

6:00 p.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m., Astronomy Bowl 2009: Media are invited to attend the Bowl. No flash photography is allowed in the theatre during the competition.

9:00 p.m.: Media are invited to meet with the Astronomy Bowl 2009 winners.

WHY:
The top winner will receive a $1000 cash prize, the second place winner will receive a $500 cash prize and the third place winner will receive a $250 cash prize. Prizes will be presented at the Spectacular Saturday celebration of Astronomy Day on the afternoon of Saturday, May 2nd.

HOW:
The Astronomy Bowl has been generously sponsored by: All Metals Industries, Inc.; Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center; Rath, Young & Pignatelli, P.C.; Laconia Savings Bank; Eastpoint Stategies; Bianco Child & Family Therapy, LLC; and Lincoln Financial Group.

FOR MORE        Jennifer Jones, Marketing Coordinator
INFO:   jjones@starhop.com, (603) 271-7827 x110

The new McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a lively science center, featuring 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, and Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a variety of science and engineering programs.

The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners. The Discovery Center also offers facilities for conferences and special events, and a NASA Educator Resource Center. For a full schedule of programming, visit http://www.starhop.com.