‘FEELING LUCKY?’
Explora takes a scientific look into the world of superstitions
If you’re feeling lucky, Explora’s adult night on March 16 might just be for you.
“We are a science museum,” said Brooke Hajny, educator and event coordinator at Explora. “We are about science, and superstitions are fun to talk about. Cultural superstitions, whether they are here in New Mexico, or whether from another country. We found if people believe that they could do better, that they were lucky, even if it’s even having a (lucky) coin, it may be nothing but a token, but it gives them more confidence.”
The event will have luck-based games, such as Yahtzee, in the Paradox Cafe, where Velvet Coffeehouse will be selling some of its coffee and espresso drinks.
“It is going to be a night of probability and people’s superstitions about luck,” Hajny said. “I think it is going to be a great night of probability games. We’re going to have the Monty Hall door game from ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ and gold coin boxes. We are going to have a candy prediction game, and we are going to talk about cultural superstitions.”
Explora will also look into superstitions surrounding animals and will even be bringing a few into the event.
“On a Wing and a Prayer will be bringing an owl,” Hajny said. “There will be an owl there or multiple owls from On a Wing and a Prayer. People believe owls are bad luck. Watermelon Ranch is bringing black dogs and people get their chance to give a dog a ‘lucky day,’ where they can have a forever home. Apparently, cats get skittish around a lot of people, so we (instead) have black dogs.”
Adult night events vary in theme and are held every other month on the third Friday of that month. The event is open to ages 18 and older. There are always bands at adult night. Strictly Commercial will entertain at the March 16 event. Also at the event will be The Albuquerque Astronomical Society. Members will be outside on the Explora deck helping guests do some stargazing. Members of the High Desert Amateur Radio Club will be in attendance with their radios. They will talk to guests and demonstrate how they use their radios to talk to people all over the world.