Join researchers from Harvard's Initiative in Innovative Computing and explore some of the latest hi-tech tools for analyzing astronomical images and data. Featured projects will include Astronomical Medicine, the Space Time Machine Consortium, and the Time Series Center.

This free event is part of the Cambridge Science Festival, a city-wide celebration of science and technology that runs from April 26 to May 4, 2008. All ages are welcome and doors open at Noon.

Become an astronomer for a day! Discover the Harvard-Smithsonian's "Exploration Stations" that include live demonstrations, interactive multimedia exhibits, hands-ons activities, ask-an-astronomer cafe, and telescope tours. Learn about the life and death of stars from scientists and Boston-area youth. Drawings for fabulous free prizes will be held throughout the afternoon. It's out of this world!

The event is hosted by scientists, students, and staff from the CfA, the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, the Chandra X-ray Center, and the Initiative in Innovative Computing at Harvard.

Cambridge Explores the Universe will be held in and outside of the Phillips Auditorium of the Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, about one mile west of Harvard Square. No reservations are necessary; however, in the event of high traffic, building and tour access will be controlled using free timed tickets. Entrance to the auditorium is at the west of the Center complex, near the Madison Street entrance and large parking lot. The Center also can be easily reached by public transportation. From the Harvard MBTA Station (Red Line), take any bus or trackless trolley going west on Concord Avenue (Arlmont Village and Belmont Center buses, Huron Avenue trolleys) and get off at "Observatory Hill." Additional directions are available.

For more information, including accessibility, or to sign up for the events mailing list, call the CfA Public Affairs Office, (617) 495-7461 or email pubaffairs@cfa.harvard.edu. Please request sign-language interpretation at least 2 weeks before the event.