August 1 - Chicago, Illinois - On the first Friday of every month, the Adler Planetarium hosts an evening of astronomy-related fun, including observing, lectures, demonstrations, and tours of the Doane Observatory.

For more information, please call 312-922-STAR or click here.

August 14 – Laurel, Maryland - The Great Planet Debate: Science as Process" conference will be held from Aug. 14-16 at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD.

"The time is ripe to hold a scientific conference to examine how planets form and evolve, both within our solar system and around other stars, as well as their physical characteristics" says Dr. Mark Sykes, a conference organizer and director of the Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, Arizona. "This event provides researchers with a unique opportunity to examine all sides of this issue and talk about it, face to face. They can also sit down with educators to discuss how to broach the planet definition controversy in the classroom."

In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union, the organization that assigns names and classifications to astronomical objects, passed a resolution defining new criteria for "planets," governed by their mass and location. Under the IAU definition, only eight of the original nine planets in our solar system qualify, with Pluto and similar bodies falling into a new category of "dwarf planets." Segments of the planetary science community objected to the IAU criteria, and the debate continues among professional scientists, educators, and the public.

Further information on the conference and workshop, including the schedule of invited talks, can be found at http://gpd.jhuapl.edu.

August 16-24 - South Australia - National Science Week 2008 in South Australia. National Science Week continues to get bigger and better each year! Officially running nationally from 16 to 24 August, Science Week in South Australia extends for almost 3 weeks, with exciting events taking place throughout the state.

One of the premier events in SA is Science Alive! Attracting over 20,000 people last year, it will be bigger this year. There will be spectacular science shows, hands-on experiments, mini planetariums, interactive exhibits, solar cars, electronics, native animals, robotics, flight simulators and over 50 booths. A talk will be given by renowned wildlife expert, Luke Hunter. Luke Hunter is the Global Carnivore Program Coordinator for the Wildlife Conservation Society and an Associate Conservation Scientist in the Science and Exploration Program. Other events include astronomical viewing evenings, electronics workshops, Science in the Pub, scientific rock concerts and so much more. Presentations range from hands-on science experiments, lectures, interactive presentations, behind-the-scenes tours and spectacular science shows – including a Grand Illusion Show! For more information, please visit their website or contact Rona Sakko, Chair, SA National Science Week Committee.

August 23 - Paris, Virginia - Join Sean O'Brien, staff astronomer of the Albert Einstein Planetarium, and other local amateur astronomers, for public telescopic observing under dark, star-filled skies, away from city lights. The evening begins with a short night sky orientation at dusk, followed by telescopic observing of various astronomical objects.

Sky Meadows State Park is west of Washington, D.C. on US Route 17 North, 1 mile south of US Route 50, or 7 miles north of Interstate 66, Exit 23. The park contact phone number is (540) 592-3556. There is a $4 parking fee per car. Please cover flashlights with a red filter or a brown paper bag. Dress warmly. In case of clouds or rain, an amateur astronomer will lead a short alternate program. For more information, please visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/skywatching/.

August 28 - 31 – Indian Trail Spring, Oregon - The Oregon Star Party (OSP) welcomes observers of all ages and levels of experience to some of the darkest skies in the US. The high desert location of Central Oregon is ideal for courting deep sky wonders. Amenities/activitiesinclude onsite showers, food and espresso vendors, speakers, telescope vendors, onsite satellite internet and much more. It is located approximately one hour outside of Prineville OR, in the Ochoco mountains. Online registration available though , onsite is also permitted. For more information, please click here.

August 30 – Dallas, Texas - Come and explore space...before it goes away! The Museum of Nature & Science presents "Eyes on Earth...and Beyond" on Saturday, August 30, 10am-5pm. Now that you are back from summer vacation it is not too late to have one more out-of-this-world adventure before the fall!

Eyes on Earth, the highly interactive astronomy and space exhibition, will be available for your learning pleasure throughout Labor Day weekend until 5 pm on September 1! As Come meet real space pioneers AND participate in some fun, hands-on activities on August 30.

Free, seating is limited, so reservations are highly recommended! Click here to make your reservation now!