Observatory & Lectures (click here)

Public Classes (click here)

Talent Search Classes (click here)

Public Programs

$5.00 adults
$3.00 seniors/students
$16.00 family maximum.
Group rate (10 or more):
$3 adult, $2 senior/student.
* See special fund-raising admission fees.

Friday Public Program Hours
March – November - Open Every Friday Evening, regardless of sky conditions.
March – May Doors Open 7:30 PM Program Begins: 8:00 PM
June & July Doors Open 8:00 PM Program Begins: 8:30 PM
August – November Doors Open 7:30 PM Program Begins: 8:00 PM
December – February
(Program once a month)		 Doors Open 6:30 PM Program Begins: 7:00 PM

Observatory & Lectures

March through November - The Observatory is open every Friday night, regardless of sky conditions, March through November. In spring, doors open at 7:30 PM; programs start at 8:00 PM - Telescope tours (if cloudy) or viewing (if clear).

Barnes & Noble / Kopernik Observatory & Science Center Winter Astronomy Lecture Series

Download the Public Programs Flyer Here

Barnes & Noble, Town Square Mall Vestal, NY
Talks begin at 7:00 PM

Barnes & Noble welcomes Kopernik Observatory & Science Center and Cornell Research Support Specialist Rick Kline for three different Saturday night presentations. Rick will discuss three astronomical topics and Kopernik staff will provide stargazing tips and telescopes. If weather permits, you will see Jupiter and its moons, the Earth’s moon, double stars, star clusters and more through Kopernik’s portable telescopes set up outside Barnes & Noble’s store.

Rick Kline is a Data Manager for the Cornell Spacecraft Planetary Imaging Facility. Rick has been a Research Support Specialist for 24 years and is well versed in the unfolding science of robotic planetary exploration. Rick's playful and humorous presentation style will make these presentations a “not to be missed” event!

February 11, 2012:
Saturn: Lord of the Rings

Saturn was hard to understand when Galileo first viewed it through his telescope – his field of view was very small. He thought the rings were somehow attached to Saturn. We now know that Saturn not only has a spectacular ring system, but also plays host to a multitude of fascinating moons both large and small.

Winter Friday Night Programs at Kopernik Observatory

February 10, 2012 : Winter Skies

Doors open at 6:30 Program begins at 7pm

Come and join the Kopernik Astronomical Society for a winter Friday evening of guest speakers and casual astronomy! Doors open at 6:30pm and program begins at 7pm. Learn how to identify constellations, planets, and spot the International Space Station. Free star maps will be provided. Bring your own telescope and a KAS member will help you learn how to use it. Although it is cold, winter is one of the best times to view the planets and stars so dress warmly! Coffee and Hot Chocolate will be available!

SPRING SCHEDULE:
Download Spring Schedule Here

Friday Night Spring Schedule 2012
$5 adults; $3 seniors/students; $16 family maximum
KOSC Members: no charge

KOSC is open every Friday night, regardless of sky conditions, March through November.
Doors open at 7:30 PM; programs start at 8:00 PM
followed by telescope tours (if cloudy) or viewing (if clear).

February 24-March 9: Close Approach of Mars – CLEAR ONLY VIEWING – special time: 7PM-10PM

The planet Mars is once again at close approach to the Earth. See this intriguing planet up close through Kopernik’s powerful telescopes. Please call the observatory at 5pm or check the website for road and sky conditions.

March 2: Earth & Mars – Shoshanna Cole, Cornell University

Shoshanna Cole, Cornell University
Learn about the Mars Science Lab named Curosity, a roving laboratory about the size of a car that is due to arrive on Mars in August 2012. Learn about the similarity and difference of these two planets.

Special Event: Saturday March 3: Marsapolosa – 6PM

A close Encounter with Mars! Join the celebration as Kopernik takes you on a field trip with Curiosity the newest NASA spacecraft to explore Mars. Kopernik will be one of just a few centers nationwide who will display a life-size model of NASA's Curiosity Rover in our lobby! Telescopes will be open under clear skies to view the Red Planet.

March 9: Mars: The Red Planet – Kopernik Observatory Staff

Why is Mars red? Did you know that Mars once had liquid water flowing on its surface? Learn what we have learned thus far from over thirty years of robotic missions visiting the planet. If clear, see Mars, the majestic Orion Nebula and other deep-sky objects.

March 16 & 23: Climate Change: Will It Ruin Your Day? – Dr. Nicholas Guydosh, NASA Earth Ambassador

Scientists tell us that not only are we in for global climate change, but it may be the result of human activity. Are close we to a "Tipping Point" - the point of no return that can really ruin our day! We will examine the scientific evidence for climate change, and also the controversial issue of human involvement. If clear, see a spectacular conjunction of Venus and Jupiter as they will be as close as 3º.

March 30: UFOs of the Modern Era – James Eggleston, Kopernik Astronomical Society

Examine of the UFO enigma from WWII to the present. Talk will cover a variety of topics such as alien contact, government conspiracy and natural phenomena. This fact-based presentation highlights evidence for and against different UFO cases in a fair and balanced way. We report – you decide! The lights you see in the sky will not be UFOs but a string of planetary bodies: Jupiter, Venus, the Moon, and Mars – very cool sight. If clear, see Venus and Saturn.

April 6 & 13: The Best of Hubble – Tish Bresee, NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador

See the Hubble Space Telescope's most beautiful legacy images; learn about each one and where to find it in the sky. If clear, view the moon and these celestial objects through our telescopes.

Special Events: April 20 & 21:

Capt. Daniel Bursch Homecoming – retired astronaut
Meet Capt. Dan Bursch USN (Ret.), Southern Tier native and veteran of four spaceflights. There will be three different events to attend. Hear fantastic stories of spaceflight and see images that are out of this world. Don’t miss this exciting and educational events! See our website for schedule/details.

April 27: Exploring Photography

Local photographer Steven Appel
Learn about digital photography, lighting, and how to compose shots. Whether portraits, products, people or architecture, see some amazing images of these different genres. After the program, receive tips on how to use your camera so make sure you bring it along! The first quarter moon makes a splendid appearance along with Mars, and Saturn.

May 11: Tigertronics: UE’s Competition Robot - Deborah Daugherty: Union-Endicott High School

See behind the scenes look at Union Endicott’s Tigertronics Robotic Club. See a robot that can pick up swim rings with an articulated arm. The team is currently working on a robot that throws T-shirts – all in the name of science and engineering!

May 18: Solar Energy – Art Weaver – CEO, Renovus Energy

Clean energy technologies are forever renewable and sustainable. See examples of systems that have been installed in our region for homeowners and businesses. Renovus Energy has designed and installed hundreds of efficient, affordable renewable energy systems for customers throughout New York and northern Pennsylvania. If clear, see Saturn high in the sky and deep-sky objects will be abundant.

May 25: Space Art Exhibition – Local Artist Pete Quiles

Enjoy the wonders of DreamScapes through the acrylic and brush paintings of local artist Peter Quiles. See space art inspired by Hubble Space Telescope and the wonders of human imagination. All paintings are for sale by artist.

Save these Dates:

Transit of Venus: June 5, 2012

RocketFest 2012: Saturday June 9th

Climate Day: Saturday June 16th

 

 

Public Classes

February 24-March 9: Close Approach of Mars
CLEAR ONLY VIEWING – special time: 7PM-10PM

The planet Mars is once again at close approach to the Earth. See this intriguing planet up close through Kopernik’s powerful telescopes. Please call the observatory at 5pm or check the website for road and sky conditions.

March 2: Earth & Mars – Shoshanna Cole, Cornell University

Learn about the Mars Science Lab named Curosity, a roving laboratory about the size of a car that is due to arrive on Mars in August 2012. Learn about the similarity and difference of these two planets.

Special Event: Saturday March 3: Marsapolooza – 6PM

A close Encounter with Mars! Join the celebration as Kopernik takes you on a field trip with Curiosity the newest NASA spacecraft to explore Mars. Kopernik will be one of just a few centers nationwide who will display a life-size model of NASA's Curiosity Rover in our lobby! Telescopes will be open under clear skies to view the Red Planet.

March 9: Mars: The Red Planet – Kopernik Observatory Staff

Why is Mars red? Did you know that Mars once had liquid water flowing on its surface? Learn what we have learned thus far from over thirty years of robotic missions visiting the planet. If clear, see Mars, the majestic Orion Nebula and other deep-sky objects.

March 16 & 23: Climate Change: Will It Ruin Your Day? – Dr. Nicholas Guydosh, NASA Earth Ambassador

Scientists tell us that not only are we in for global climate change, but it may be the result of human activity. Are close we to a "Tipping Point" - the point of no return that can really ruin our day! We will examine the scientific evidence for climate change, and also the controversial issue of human involvement. If clear, see a spectacular conjunction of Venus and Jupiter as they will be as close as 3º.

March 30: UFOs of the Modern Era – James Eggleston, Kopernik Astronomical Society

Examine of the UFO enigma from WWII to the present. Talk will cover a variety of topics such as alien contact, government conspiracy and natural phenomena. This fact-based presentation highlights evidence for and against different UFO cases in a fair and balanced way. We report – you decide! The lights you see in the sky will not be UFOs but a string of planetary bodies: Jupiter, Venus, the Moon, and Mars – very cool sight. If clear, see Venus and Saturn.

April 6 & 13: The Best of Hubble – Tish Bresee, NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador

See the Hubble Space Telescope's most beautiful legacy images; learn about each one and where to find it in the sky. If clear, view the moon and these celestial objects through our telescopes.

Special Events: April 20 & 21: Capt. Daniel Bursch Homecoming – retired astronaut

Meet Capt. Dan Bursch USN (Ret.), Southern Tier native and veteran of four spaceflights. There will be three different events to attend. Hear fantastic stories of spaceflight and see images that are out of this world. Don’t miss this exciting and educational events! See our website for schedule/details.

April 27: Exploring Photography – local photographer Steven Appel

Learn about digital photography, lighting, and how to compose shots. Whether portraits, products, people or architecture, see some amazing images of these different genres. After the program, receive tips on how to use your camera so make sure you bring it along! The first quarter moon makes a splendid appearance along with Mars, and Saturn.

May 11: Tigertronics: UE’s Competition Robot - Deborah Daugherty: Union-Endicott High School

See behind the scenes look at Union Endicott’s Tigertronics Robotic Club. See a robot that can pick up swim rings with an articulated arm. The team is currently working on a robot that throws T-shirts – all in the name of science and engineering!

May 18: Solar Energy – Art Weaver – CEO, Renovus Energy

Clean energy technologies are forever renewable and sustainable. See examples of systems that have been installed in our region for homeowners and businesses. Renovus Energy has designed and installed hundreds of efficient, affordable renewable energy systems for customers throughout New York and northern Pennsylvania. If clear, see Saturn high in the sky and deep-sky objects will be abundant.

May 25: Space Art Exhibition – Local Artist Pete Quiles

Enjoy the wonders of DreamScapes through the acrylic and brush paintings of local artist Peter Quiles. See space art inspired by Hubble Space Telescope and the wonders of human imagination. All paintings are for sale by artist.

Save these Dates:

Transit of Venus: June 5, 2012

RocketFest 2012: Saturday June 9th

Climate Day: Saturday June 16th

 

Talent Search Classes

KoperniKids

Session 1: My Bones, My Lungs, My Body

Monday, February 20, 2012 (school holiday) from 10am to 12pm
Your child will spend the morning learning about the body by exploring the bones in the skeleton and then experimenting with ways to see air going in and out of the lungs.

Download Registration Form

Session 2: Fun with Friction

Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10am to 12pm
In this session, your child will investigate a puck sliding across different surfaces
and learn how important it is to have friction in our lives.

Download Registration Form

Session 3: Exploring Space

Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 10am to 12pm
Your child will learn about the important role of astronomers and
how they use telescopes to explore planets and stars beyond Earth,
and then will learn how to use binoculars and telescopes to see far away!

Download Registration Form

Where: Kopernik Observatory & Science Center (KOSC),
698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY
What to bring: An adult is required to stay with the child during the program
Cost: KOSC Members: $17 Non-Members: $20 per session per child (parent free)
Questions: call KOSC at (607)748-3685 ext 305 or email: tbresee@kopernik.org