MENDOCINO Co., 8/3/24 – Have you ever wondered how astronauts go to the bathroom on the International Space Station where gravity makes objects “weightless?” If so, then you won’t want to miss Mendocino County Library’s virtual chat with Dr. Jennifer Levasseur, curator at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum on Wednesday.
Levasseur will present her new book, Behind the Scenes at the Space Station, a kid-friendly, colorful look at all things space station. The Mendocino County Library calls the book, published by DK Publishing, “a treasure trove of information” about the everyday lives of astronauts working at the International Space Station.
“You will learn what the astronauts do once they make it to the space station, from experiments to repairs and so much more,” the library shared in a statement. “Have you ever wondered if plants could grow in outer space? Or how the space station doesn’t break down in outer space? Or how astronauts go to the toilet in microgravity?”
During the event, Levasseur will present her book, followed by a question-and-answer session with participants. This event, exclusive to the Mendocino County Library, is a perfect chance for students, educators, parents and space nerds of all ages to ask curious questions about the inner workings of the space station.
At the National Air and Space Museum, Levasseur oversees the museum’s collection of cameras, chronographs, space shuttles and space station-related objects. She’s curated three exhibitions and published her first book in 2020 about astronaut photographers. She’s worked at the museum for 22 years.
The event, “Your All Access Pass Behind the Scenes at the Space Station with Smithsonian Curator Dr. Jennifer Levasseur,” takes place August 7 at 11 a.m. online via the Mendocino County Library. The event is free. Registration is required via https://libraryc.org/mendolibrary/52469.