The Springfield Museums presents Astronomy Day 2025, an annual event part of a nationwide, grass-roots movement to bring astronomy to the people, happening Saturday, May 3, from 10 am–5 pm. Attendees will enjoy hands-on astronomy activities for all ages, planetarium shows, and (weather permitting) sunspot viewing. Free with museum admission.
Astronomy Day is co-hosted by the Springfield STARS Club. Founded in 1934, its mission is to inform and motivate people of all ages and backgrounds in the mysteries and science of space at all levels, near and far. Members will be on hand to meet visitors and talk all things modern astronomy.
Beginning in California in 1973, Astronomy Day was created by president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California Doug Berger to bring astronomy directly to the public. Instead of trying to entice people to travel far distances to participate in astronomy, they would set up their telescopes in urban, highly populated areas so that anyone passing by could enjoy the activities. Now celebrated both nationally and internationally, Astronomy Day is the perfect time for people of all ages to explore the stars with their community and connect with local astronomy enthusiasts.
“Astronomy is one of the core strengths of our museum,” says Jenny Powers, Director of the Springfield Science Museum. “It is always fun and exciting to share the wonders of the cosmos with our visitors. Everyone will enjoy the activities and programs we have planned.”
Planetarium Schedule for ASTRONOMY DAY
All planetarium shows are free on Saturday, May 3. Tickets for each show are limited, and available first come, first served.
Un mundo, un cielo: La aventura de Big Bird (One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure in Spanish), 10:30 am
Big Bird, Elmo y su amigo chino, Hu HuZhu, ¡llevan a los espectadores a un viaje de descubrimiento! El espectáculo busca fomentar la curiosidad natural de los niños por el cielo nocturno, a la vez que forja conexiones interculturales y conecta a niños de diferentes países a través de un vínculo común: aprender juntos sobre el cielo. Recomendado para los más pequeños.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure in English, 11:15 am
Big Bird, Elmo and their friend from China, Hu HuZhu, take viewers on a journey of discovery! The show aims to nurture a child’s natural sense of wonder about the night sky while forging cross-cultural connections and bridging kids across nations through a common bond in learning about the sky together. Recommended for our youngest visitors.
Beyond the Telescope: Many Ways to Enjoy Astronomy, 1 pm
Learn about the diverse range of astronomy activities that are available to everyone.
Virtual Space Trip to the Planets and Beyond, 2 pm
Using real data from NASA science missions, set foot on other planets and venture out into the galaxy and beyond.
Your Night Sky Live, 3 pm
Using the historic star projector and effects from the Zeiss full-dome system, museum staff guides the audience through the stars, constellations, and other sights in the night sky that can be found over the next few weeks.
MassMutual is the season supporter of the Springfield Museums.