Public Programs
Programs
-
-
The Evolution of Virtual Reality Part II – The Present & Future of VR
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United StatesJenny Cartie, Kopernik Technology ManagerHybrid ProgramPublic ProgramsDoors Open at 7:00 PM for VR Classroom Demos - Virtual reality (VR), as we know it today, is an emerging technology with a promising future. Modern VR headsets access our senses like no other technology, enabling experiences like: 360º and 3D video; collaborative learning; immersive gaming; and spatial productivity. Discover the state-of-the-art VR technologies Read More ...
$4 – $6 -
Southern Tier Robotics Competition Robot
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United StatesSouthern Tier RoboticsHybrid ProgramPublic ProgramsGet an up-close look at the latest robot designed by the Southern Tier Robotics team. Their robot performs autonomous and radio-controlled actions to accomplish a number of tasks in a multi-team competition. Students on the team will demonstrate the robot, show a video from their recent competition in Albany and Suffern NY, and answer questions Read More ...
$4 – $6 -
-
Summer Skies – Night Sky Observing This Season
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United StatesJenny Cartie, Kopernik Technology ManagerHybrid ProgramPublic ProgramsThe summer solstice occurs June 21 at 4:24am! Now that we are about to enter summer, discover what will be up in the sky this season. Learn how to identify constellations and planets in the summer sky, and how to spot the International Space Station. Free star maps will be provided. If you have your Read More ...
$4 – $6 -
Shipwrecks and Submerged Heritage. The science and policy of maritime archaeology
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United StatesDana Carris M.S. Maritime ArchaeologistHybrid ProgramPublic ProgramsShipwrecks, submerged aircraft, and the vast underwater unknown havealways captivated people's interest and sense of adventure. But, how do explorers and scientists discover, research, and protect these limited resources? In this talk, Dana Carris will introduce some of the technologies and scientific methods used by maritime archaeologists, and highlight some of these unique resources across New York.
$4 – $6 -
From Rooftops to Space: The New Era of Solar Cells
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United StatesTara P. Dhakal, PhD Professor, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Binghamton UniversityHybrid ProgramPublic ProgramsSolar cells have evolved from traditional silicon panels on rooftops to new technologies like lightweight and flexible perovskite solar cells. This talk will explain how solar cells turn sunlight into electricity and explore how advances in materials and manufacturing are making solar energy more powerful, affordable, and useful in applications ranging from homes to space Read More ...
$4 – $6 -
The Magic of Fireflies: Is their bright light fading?
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United StatesJulie Thompson-Slacum, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay Field Office Division-ChiefHybrid ProgramPublic ProgramsFireflies, or lightning bugs, are neither flies nor bugs. They are actually in the beetle family and are beginning to appear in local fields and forests. The light they emit is a biochemical reaction that can vary from green to yellow to red. This talk will focus on the fascinating biology of fireflies, their threats, Read More ...
$4 – $6 -
-
Great Telescope Dust-off
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United StatesKopernik StaffPublic ProgramsIs there a telescope collecting dust in a corner of your basement, garage, or attic? Dig it out and bring it up to Kopernik! Kopernik experts will assess its condition and show you how to set it up and use it. There is always a lot to see in the sky. Let Kopernik help you Read More ...
$4 – $6 -
150 years of moving forward with Central NYS technology
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United StatesSusan I. Sherwood, Executive Director, Center for Technology & InnovationHybrid ProgramPublic ProgramsBefore Silicon Valley, the Southern Tier was a hotbed of technological innovation. IBM, Link Simulators, Raymond Corporation and other companies have created technology that has changed the world. Explore advances of vehicles (including UEHS's 2003 Tour de Sol National Champion), pilot trainers based on pneumatic music, navigation with gyroscopes, imaging (1880 - 1970s), and electronic Read More ...
$4 – $6 -
The Sun: Our Eruptive Neighbor
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United StatesKatelyn Sonnen, APS Graduate Student, University of Colorado-BoulderHybrid ProgramPublic ProgramsThe Sun is fundamental for our existence on Earth, but it is far from a quiet fixture in the sky. Come learn about the Sun's eruptive activity, from solar flares to coronal mass ejections, and discover the results of such powerful events, including beautiful auroral displays that light up our night skies.
$4 – $6 -
Geocaching: 21st Century Treasure Hunting
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United StatesLeann LesperanceHybrid ProgramPublic ProgramsLooking for a fun and challenging activity to do with the family this summer? Try geocaching, a popular treasure hunt game that uses a hand-held GPS or cell phone. See how to get started in this family-friendly activity. Rules, terms, equipment, and techniques of geocaching will be explained.
$4 – $6 -
-
Comets and Meteors – Perseid Meteor Shower Preview
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United StatesKopernik StaffHybrid ProgramPublic ProgramsLearn about meteor showers and comets, and how to view them. Preview the Perseid Meteor shower. See images of famous comets and meteor showers and learn about collisions that could devastate the world. Touch a meteorite and see a comet made right in front of your eyes.
$4 – $6 -
Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing I – CLEAR ONLY
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United StatesKopernik StaffPublic ProgramsThe Perseid Meteor Shower is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour! Produced by the Swift-Tuttle comet, these meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and head up to Kopernik’s dark skies for great viewing, especially after midnight. Visit www.kopernik.org Read More ...
$4 – $6
