Media Release | October 19, 2026
Brainstorms
NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — What happens to your sense of up and down when you leave Earth?
On Monday, November 2, 2026, Brainstorms New Port Richey will welcome NASA astronaut and scientist Dr. Jim Pawelczyk to the Richey Suncoast Theatre for Brainstorms in Orbit: An Evening with NASA Astronaut Dr. Jim Pawelczyk, a free community event inviting audiences of all ages to experience the science of space exploration firsthand.
Doors open at 5:15 p.m., with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, and advance RSVP through Zeffy is recommended. Attendance is limited to 200 guests.
Dr. Pawelczyk flew aboard Space Shuttle Columbia in 1998 as a payload specialist on STS-90, NASA’s Neurolab mission. The 16-day mission investigated how spaceflight and microgravity affect the brain, nervous system, and human body, helping scientists better understand how humans adapt to life beyond Earth.
His featured presentation, “What’s Up in Space?”, will explore the neurobiology behind our understanding of up and down. Through simple demonstrations and audience participation, Dr. Pawelczyk will show how our brains make sense of orientation and what happens when the familiar cues of gravity change.
The interactive program is designed for children, families, and curious adults alike. Dr. Pawelczyk will also answer audience questions about living and working in space, offering a firsthand perspective on life aboard a space shuttle.
“Meeting an astronaut shouldn’t be an opportunity reserved for children in larger cities,” said Daisy Thomas, Vice President of Brainstorms Board of Directors. “Brainstorms can and will bring extraordinary experiences like this to our community, giving our children and families opportunities to discover what’s possible.”
Brainstorms is working to establish a permanent science discovery center in downtown New Port Richey, with a focus on hands-on STEAM education, environmental discovery, and community programming. Events such as Brainstorms in Orbit demonstrate the organization’s commitment to bringing exceptional educational experiences to the community while continuing its development efforts.
Event Details
- Event: Brainstorms in Orbit: An Evening with NASA Astronaut Dr. Jim Pawelczyk
- Featured Presentation: “What’s Up in Space?”
- Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
- Doors Open: 5:15 p.m.
- Program Begins: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey
- Admission: Free; advance RSVP recommended through Zeffy
- Capacity: Limited to 200 attendees
- RSVP: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/brainstorms-in-orbit-an-evening-with-nasa-astronaut-dr-jim-pawelczyk
About Brainstorms New Port Richey
Brainstorms New Port Richey is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to making science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics accessible through hands-on discovery experiences for children, families, and lifelong learners. The organization is developing plans for a permanent science discovery center in downtown New Port Richey while offering community programs, educational events, and partnerships that encourage curiosity, creativity, and exploration.
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