emerald-pearl granite from Larvik, Norway. Embedded in the dais are more than 2,700 metal studs representing the location of astronomical objects, including the sun, moon, planets, 4 asteroids, 5 galaxies, 10 quasars, and many stars at noon on April 22, 1979, when the memorial was dedicated. The studs are different sizes to denote the apparent magnitude of the relevant object, and different studs denote binary stars, spectroscopic binaries, pulsars, globular clusters, open clusters, and quasars. The celestial objects were accurately positioned by astronomers at the U.S. Naval Observatory. Familiar constellations are marked on the map for easy identification. To a visitor standing at the center of the dais, Einstein appears to be making direct eye contact, and any spoken words are notably amplified. Description Engraved as though written on the papers held in the statue's left hand are three equations, summarizing three of Einstein's most important scientific advances: (the general theory of relativity) (the photoelectric effect) (the equivalence of energy and matter) Along the back of the bench, behind the statue, three famous quotations from the scientist are inscribed. They were selected to reflect Einstein's sense of wonder, scientific integrity, and concern for social justice. They are : "As long as I have any choice in the matter, I shall live only in a country where civil liberty, tolerance, and equality of all citizens before the law prevail." "Joy and amazement at the beauty and grandeur of this world of which man can just form a faint notion ..." "The right to search for truth implies also a duty; one must not conceal any part of what one has recognized to be true." In popular and artistic culture The statue was filmed and subsequently used in the opening title sequence of Sesame Street during the show's 20th season. A copy of the Albert Einstein Memorial made of 100% dark and white chocolate was once on display in the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. In July 2012, the sculpture was yarn bombed by the Polish-born artist Olek, who enclosed the entire statue in a colorful crocheted wrap of pinks, purples, and teal. See also List of public art in Washington, D.C., Ward 2 References External links Einstein, Albert: Statue at the Nat'l Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. DCmemorials.com Albert Einstein (sculpture), Save Outdoor Sculpture survey, Art Inventories Catalog, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian Institution Research Information System (SIRIS)