Aug. 28, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Elizabeth Waldstein-Hart, Walkway Executive Director, 845-454-9649

Steve Densmore, Walkway Media Relations, 845-234-8713

NASA Astronaut to Land at Walkway STARWALK

Astronaut Shane Kimbrough to Appear at Walkway Event on Friday, Sept. 7th

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY— Accomplished NASA astronaut COL (U.S. Army, Ret.) R. Shane Kimbrough will be a special guest at Walkway Over the Hudson’s Sept. 7th STARWALK event. Astronaut Kimbrough will greet attendees and participate in the evening’s activities, all designed to be fun, educational and interactive for the star curious and advanced stargazer alike. He will join STARWALK partners and the public in viewing the night sky with telescopes, hearing interdisciplinary science presentations and other activites to support the evening’s theme of “Distant Realms: Neptune and Andromeda.”

Astronaut Kimbrough’s appearance at the Walkway fulfills Sen. Charles Schumer’s recent promise to advocate for NASA to send one of its respected astronauts to attend a STARWALK event, a new series of educational programs developed by the Walkway nonprofit organization. At the time, Sen. Schumer praised Walkway Over the Hudson for its efforts to continue to help inspire students of all ages to become part of the next generation of world-class American scientists through their STARWALK and MoonWalk series. He lauded NASA’s decision to send an astronaut to the Hudson Valley.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled that NASA Astronaut Shane Kimbrough will be joining us for our next STARWALK on Sept. 7th. This wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Senator Schumer and his unwavering support of our STARWALK program,” said Mike Oates, Walkway Over the Hudson Board Chairman.

“Having a bona fide astronaut attend our STARWALK event at the Walkway State Park helps demonstrate how important programs like this encourage our community to embrace the wonders of science,” said Walkway Executive Director Elizabeth Waldstein-Hart. “This will make the STARWALK series even more meaningful to our student astronomers and avid stargazers, as well as encourage more people to come out and enjoy the breathtaking night time views on the Walkway.”

Astronaut Kimbrough, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, has now spent a remarkable 189 days in space. He completed his first space flight in 2008 where he spent almost 16 days on a mission to expand the crew living quarters on the International Space Station to accommodate a six-member crew. During the mission, he performed two spacewalks. Kimbrough also flew on the Expedition 49/50 Mission where he performed another four space walks. Before being selected as an astronaut, Kimbrough joined NASA in 2000 as a Flight Simulation Engineer on the Shuttle Training Aircraft. Kimbrough holds a Master of Science degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

The theme of the Sept. 7th STARWALK is “Distant Realms: Neptune and Andromeda.” Walkway at Night programming, featuring MoonWalks and STARWALKs, is free and open to the public, registration is requested. The STARWALK events offer a unique opportunity to learn more about the stars and enjoy the breathtaking horizon-to-horizon view of the night sky on Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, which spans the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie (Dutchess County) and Highland (Ulster County).

Astronomy enthusiasts and educators from area colleges will be on hand with their telescopes and other activities from sunset until 10:30 p.m. More details at WALKWAY.ORG.

Walkway Over the Hudson non-profit organization and New York State Parks are partnering with the John R. Kirk Planetarium at SUNY New Paltz, Vassar College Observatory, Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association, Poughkeepsie Public Library District, storyteller Joan Henry, Walkway Ambassadors and U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. Support for STARWALK logistics has been provided by Ulster Savings Bank and iHeart Media.

For the safety of all, bicycles, rollerblades, and skateboards are not permitted for these events. All pets must be on a 4-foot non-retractable leash with a light up collar (glow sticks will be available for purchase). Please note that all events are weather-permitting.

For more information or to register for the STARWALK program, visit WALKWAY.ORG.

VISIT ALL OF THESE STAR-STUDDED STATIONS ON THE WALKWAY!

THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Walk the “Thousand-Yard Model” of the planets and their relative distance from the sun, courtesy of the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association.

STORY STROLL
Find the pages and read about Max’s great adventure & shooting stars. Offered by the Poughkeepsie Public Library District.

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS
Dance to celestial tunes performed by stellar Hudson Valley musicians at the Ulster Welcome Center Pavilion and on the eastern overlook on the Walkway.

NATIVE AMERICAN STORYTELLER & PERFORMER
Hear Joan Henry’s spellbinding stories of the stars and night sky in Native American culture.

OUR STARS AND CONSTELLATIONS
Join in guided discussions with students from SUNY New Paltz and Vassar College.

THE POWER OF THE TELESCOPE
Observe the night sky with telescopes and learn about astronomy at the center of the Walkway, courtesy of the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association.

BEAM ME UP SCOTTIE!
STARWALK hats, shirts, stickers and COOL GLOW IN THE DARK STUFF!

KIDZONE starts at 7pm at the ULSTER WELCOME CENTER Pavilion
Walkway staff and Volunteers lead activities for kids including Storytime, arts & crafts and coloring.

AND don’t miss the iHeart media PRIZEWHEEL, food vendors and musicians!