Public Programs

Public Programs

Doors Open at 7:30 PM | Program Starts at 8:00 PM

Admission

  • Members – Free
    Become a Member
  • Adults – $6.00
  • Seniors/Students – $4.00
  • Family Maximum – $20.00
  • Group Rate (10 or more):
    Adult – $4.00
    Senior/Student – $3.00

Experiences

  • Kopernik Science Park – Closes at Dusk
  • Science Center & Telescope Tours
  • STEM Presentations
  • Laser Guided Star Tours
  • Night Sky Observing & Telescope Viewing

The Observatory is open every Friday night, March through Mid-December, regardless of sky conditions. Unless noted otherwise, every program includes a STEM Talk and access to the Observatory for night sky viewing. During the winter season, we only have public programs on selected dates. Due to the changing seasonal sunsets, the Observatory adjusts its program starting times.

Can’t make it to the presentation in-person? We’ve got you covered! Kopernik livestreams all presentation on our YouTube Channel.

Summer 2026 Programs

Doors Open at 7:30 PM | Programs Start at 8:00 PM

Programs

Today

  • AstroFest 2026

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Kopernik Astronomical Society
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    AstroFest is an annual Star Party at Kopernik that features extraordinary speakers and night sky observing. Join the Kopernik Astronomical Society at the 44th Annual AstroFest in 2026—stay tuned schedule announcements. Enjoy astronomy workshops, talks, exhibits, demonstrations, and solar and nighttime observing. Check out the detailed schedule of the event below! Admission:$6.00 adults$4.00 seniors/studentsGroups of 7 Read More …

    $4 – $6

  • Planetariums: Then and Now

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    JT Towne, Omnidirectional Consulting
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    What’s a planetarium, and why are some of them taking on new names?JT Towne, planetarium consultant, will review how immersive “sky theaters” and the technology in them were invented 100 years ago, collaborative learning, and new trends for exploring astronomy, STEM topics, art and entertainment under a dome.

    $4 – $6

  • The Needle & the Damage Done: Understanding Vaccine Misinformation

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Connor Lawless, Health Program Director at Broome County Health Department
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    One of the driving forces behind vaccine hesitancy is misinformation. Understanding the what, how, why, and who of misinformation is crucial in further preventing its spread. This presentation examines just that and explores the ways in which to counter it. The interactive session opens with a brief exercise testing to see if the audience can Read More …

    $4 – $6

  • Eels and Mussels in the Susquehanna River

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Wendy Skinner, Masters Student, Binghamton University
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    Hatching as tiny organisms in the Sargasso Sea, eels migrate to the Susquehanna River delta where the transparent juveniles (“glass eels”) swim upriver to mature and mate before returning to the Atlantic Ocean to repeat the cycle. The eels assist freshwater mussels, which naturally purify river water, in their reproduction. The four dams on the Read More …

    $4 – $6

Public Program Seasonal Hours

Seasons

Doors Open

Public Program Starts

March – May

7:30 PM

8:00 PM

June – July

8:00 PM

8:30 PM

August – November

7:30 PM

8:00 PM

December – February

6:30 PM

7:00 PM