AUGUSTA — Scientists, artists, educators, geologists and weather forecasters from around Maine will gather at the Maine State Museum on Tuesday, Oct. 16, for the annual Maine Earth Science Day. Curious students and visitors of all ages will find something to investigate in the museum-wide celebration of earth sciences. The event begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m.

The exhibits and hands-on activities cover a wide variety of Earth’s resources and treasures. Topics for exploration include the power of maps, Ice Age finds in Maine, an augmented reality sandbox to illustrate rain runoff patterns, the science of lightning, rock and gemstone collecting, and others.

Maine Earth Science Day’s exhibitors come from throughout the state. In addition to the Maine State Museum, they include the U.S. Geological Survey, Maine Geological Survey, Hurricane Island Foundation, Maine State Library, Mount Washington Observatory, Challenger Learning Center of Maine, Blue Marble Geographics, Kennebec Rocks and Minerals Club, Sacopee Energy and Climate Activities, USDA Soil Science Division, and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

“More than 1,000 students, teachers, and chaperones from throughout the state are already signed up to attend Maine Earth Science Day,” commented the museum’s chief educator, Joanna Torow. “Scientists, mapmakers, collectors, weather forecasting professionals, and educators will be here to encourage responsible stewardship of the Earth and show the many ways that earth science affects every aspect of our lives.”

Admission to the museum is free of charge all day. Teachers or parents bringing groups of students are urged to make reservations by completing a reservation form on the museum’s website: https://mainestatemuseum.org/learn/schedule-a-tour-or-program/event-reservation-form/.

The Maine State Museum is at 230 State St., adjacent to the Maine State House. For more information, check the museum’s website: www.mainestatemuseum.org or call 207-287-2301.