LSC After Dark goes retro for '80s Night' event
On March 15, 2018, Liberty Science Center traveled back to the ‘80s for LSC After Dark: ‘80s Night, our latest event for guests 21 and over.
It was a night filled with retro science experiments, old school music, and totally rad shows in the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium and LSC Giant Dome Theater. We were even joined by a few beloved ‘80s icons. For example, Marty McFly and Doc Brown from Back to the Future – a.k.a. cosplayers Matthew Bell and Eric Sellin, known for their appearances at multiple cons – stopped by and took photos with guests, along with the iconic DeLorean.
And we had another special guest too...Bret Michaels! (Well, sort of…) He took photos with guests in the Photo Booth.
This month’s themed science experiments were inspired by movies from the decade. Guests identified unknown substances in our Lethal Weapon Forensic Labs. Then, they learned the physics of light and the science behind lasers in our Tron Laser Experiment.
Finally, they headed over to the Weirder Science Show which explored the actual science behind scenes in ‘80s sci-fi films.
But in addition to ‘80s movies, we also had activities centered on ‘80s games. Our coding professionals taught guests how to create their own ‘80s-style video game like Space Invaders and even learn how to modify the code to simple arcade games.
We were joined by professional speedcubers who taught guests tips and techniques to solving the Rubik’s Cube puzzle. Check out a video of one of the speedcubers showing off his skill:
Additional Rubik’s Cube activities included a cube dissection and a puzzle called Super Cube Shuffle, courtesy of Bedtime Math, where guests raced to complete geometric patterns by memory.
Over in our third floor lab, guests enjoyed a hologram activity inspired by ‘80s sci-fi and pop culture. Guests created small holographic projectors that they could use on their smartphones.
There were multiple amazing shows held in the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium and LSC Giant Dome Theater, the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. These included an ‘80s laser show, as well as a planetarium show called To Worlds Beyond: Journey Through the Solar System.
Midnight Market joined us again with delicious food from local vendors, at only $5 per plate. This month’s vendors included Tojo Kitchen, The Guac Spot, Meta, Moffle Bar, The Good Donut Shop, Hold My Knots, Yani’s Bake House, Taste of Poland JC, Eemas Cuisine, and El Lechon De Negron.
Courtesy of Super Buy-Rite, guests enjoyed delicious tastings of Corona Premiere and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Yum!
Our specialty cocktail bar, meanwhile, served drinks inspired by classic ‘80s movies: the Blue Lagoon, Purple Rain, and Blues Brothers.
One of the most unique parts of this LSC After Dark event is that we were joined by Dr. Biju Parekkadan and Jason Webb, the creative minds behind a new sci-fi graphic novel series called Legend of Sumeria. Guests enjoyed a live conversation with Parekaddan and Webb in the Joseph D. Williams 3D Science Theater, as well as a special VR experience.
Over on the dance floor, guests rocked out to classic ‘80s hits all night with DJ Dancing Tony. We even threw a moonwalk contest to see who had the best moves!
There were some really great looks this month. Here are a few of our favorites:
Thanks again to everyone who came out for LSC After Dark: ‘80s Night! It was a rad time. You can also relive the event through this excellent video recap:
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Tickets are now available for LSC After Dark: SciChella on April 19. Science + Coachella = SciChella! It’s the next best thing to California’s legendary music and arts festival, but with a scientific twist. Click here for tickets.