The New York
Aquarium and Astroland Amusement Park jump on the celestial fascination
bandwagon with "Mars Madness" on Saturday, Sept. 6.
Mars is the closest to Earth it’s been since 57,000 B.C., so
astronomers from Columbia University will host free telescopic
viewing of the planet from 9 pm to 11 pm on the beach in front
of the Astroland entrance. All ages are welcome.
While you’re in Coney Island, check out the neighboring Aquarium’s
"Alien Stingers" exhibit full of sea jellies (pictured),
anemones and corals in the newly expanded Explore the Shore building.
The Aquarium is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Sept. 6.
Astroland Amusement Park will offer discount pay-one-price wristbands
for $12.99 from 4 pm to 10 pm. At 8 pm, The Lounge O Leers and
Ms. Saturn will perform, followed by an Alien Costume Contest
hosted by Astro Girl. For contestants 12 and younger there will
be a contest for Most Creative Costume and the Silliest Alien
Costume, and for ages 12 and older, there will be a contest for
the Most Creative Costume and the Sexiest Alien. First prize
wins $100 and a season pass to Astroland for 2004.
Astroland is located at 1000 Surf Ave. at West 10th Street.
The Aquarium is located at West Eighth Street and Surf Avenue
in Coney Island with a pedestrian entrance on the boardwalk.
Admission is $11 for adults, $7 children ages 2-12 and seniors,
and free for children younger than age 2. For more information,
call (718) 265-FISH or visit the Web site at www.nyaquarium.com.
