Get ready for out of this world fun in the Science Museum. Since 1973, Astronomy Day events have connected the public to various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals.

Free with museum admission!

Starlab? What is Starlab?, 10:30-11:15 am and 12:30-1:15 pm
Take a peak in Tolman Auditorium and you’ll find out! Crawl in and relax as Planetarium Presenter Kevin Kopchynski entertains you with tales of the night sky that sparkles above you. 45-minute presentation.

Solar System Trivia Game, 11-11:45 am & 2-2:45 pm
How well do you know your neighborhood? Test your knowledge of the solar system with a fun and exciting trivia game. The Cat in the Hat may stop by to coach, confuse, and confound you! If you ask nicely, you might even have your picture taken with him.

Meet Cat in the Hat, 11 am-3 pm
Get a high five or hug from the mischievous feline.

Book Walk: There’s No Place Like Space!, 11 am-4 pm
Follow the path of least resistance and you’ll find yourself mingling with planets! Come to the Quadrangle Green for a close-up meander through the pages of author Tish Rabe’s popular book, There’s No Place Like Space! Stop in the Museum Store to purchase your very own copy!

Rockets, Telescopes and Stars Galore, 11 am – 3 pm
Look out, overhead! Learn about telescopes, stargazing, and so much more.

Launch your own straw rocket with a little help from our friends at New England Air Museum.
Talk with members of the Springfield STARS Club. Hear all about cool (or is that hot?) rocks from space with meteorite expert Jack Megas.
Consider all the benefits and wonders of dark skies at night with the International Dark Sky Association.
Meet the “stars” from Sky and Telescope magazine, who will share with you their vast knowledge of all things astronomical! Want to learn about stargazing and the cool things that astronomy has to offer? Then spend some time with these folks. They love to share their love of science.

Sunspot Viewing, 11 am-3 pm
Don’t be shy, come gaze at the sky! If the clouds do allow us, and the rain doesn’t foul us, then out on the Quadrangle green the sun will be seen. Members of the Springfield STARS club will guide you to a safe view of our sun. (Weather Permitting.)

Space Projects and Book Giveaways, 11 am-3 pm

Pocket Solar System – Make a scale model of objects in our solar system using stickers and machine tape.
Hide and Seek Moon – Binoculars, a hidden object Moon poster, and the Moon Rose storybook will let you discover how some tools can make distant objects appear closer and brighter. Learn about how cultures around the world have viewed the moon.
Space Guess Quest – Play a fun card game (similar to Guess Who) to sort and classify objects in our universe.
Temperature Mapping – Use an infrared thermometer to test out the temperature of different materials under a heat lamp to learn about how different types of land cover reflect or absorb energy.

Face Painting and Roving Scientist, 11 am-2 pm
Let’s face it, no one knows how to have more fun than Professor Knows A. Lot! If you think that having your face painted sounds like fun, that is. We do! Plus, find our Roving Scientist in the museum galleries. You never know what hands-on activities they’ll have in store.

Planetarium Show: The Magic Sky, 11:30 am
Join Jesse in a dream time adventure as you explore the concept of day and night, and discover that our sun is really a star (recommended for ages 5 and up).

Cosmic Coolattas from Dunkin’, Noon-3 pm
Sample Dunkin’s new seasonal beverage, a frozen treat that brings together a constellation of colors and flavors. (While supplies last.)

Things Are Looking Up Observatory Tour, Noon-12:45 pm & 2-2:45 pm
Get an inside look at our magnificent 20-inch telescope that points up from under the dome on the roof of the Museum.

Astronomy Talk, 1:30-2:30 pm
Stop, Look, and Listen (and learn cool things)! Join Professor James Lowenthal, Chair of the Astronomy Department at Smith College, inside the Seymour Planetarium as he talks about planets around other star systems. He’ll be very glad to answer your questions when he’s done.

Astronomy Talk, 2:15-3:15 pm
Let Mr. Alan Rifkin, president of the Springfield STARS club, show you how to relax and have fun when you tour the universe with just a pair of binoculars.

Planetarium Show: Wonders of the Night Sky, 3 pm
Be mesmerized by Mel McLaurin’s live and lively tour of the skies (recommended for ages 8 and up).

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