Chabot Space & Science Center is celebrating the Endeavor Shuttle Bay Area flyover with an early opening and a breathtaking vantage point to watch the low-flying transport. Chabot will open to the public Friday, Sept. 21 at 8 a.m.; the Endeavor is expected to fly over the East Bay between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m.

Traveling on top of NASA’s Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, the Endeavor is planning to leave Florida’s Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday morning to make its final flight across the United States en route to a permanent home at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The Endeavor will make a stop in Houston, and is planning to fly over several areas in California including Sacramento, Oakland and San Francisco.

Located at 10000 Skyline Blvd. atop the Oakland Hills, Chabot Space & Science Center enjoys a commanding view of Bay Area skies. The Endeavor will be flying at a low altitude, at about 1,500 feet, according to officials, and be hard to miss from the Observatory Deck at Chabot.

The Endeavor, named after Captain Cook’s ship of discovery, was authorized by Congress in 1987 to replace the Challenger, which was lost in the tragic launch accident in 1986. Over its flight career – 25 missions in 20 years – Endeavor flew 122,853,151 miles and spent 299 days in space.

Starting at 8 a.m., Chabot will feature hands-on astronaut training fun, space activities and a viewing party – pajamas are optional. The café will be open, serving hot chocolate and coffee.

The viewing party and activities are included in the price of admission. Tickets will be available at the door, but advance reservations are encouraged. Tickets may be purchased online at www.chabotspace.org or by calling 510-336-7373.