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  • The Next Generation of Electric Buses and Trucks

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    John Hroncich, BAE Systems
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    Representatives from BAE Systems will discuss current and future innovations in electrified solutions for heavy-duty truck and bus powertrains. A revolutionary fully electric, zero-emissions Class 7 truck will be on-site for a walk-through of BAE Systems’ 3rd generation power inverters, motors ABS software, and controls. BAE Systems is celebrating its 30th year of electrifying solutions Read More ...

    $4 – $6

  • Comets and Meteors – Perseid Meteor Shower Preview

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Jenny Cartie, Kopernik Technology Manager
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    Learn 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

  • Canceled Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing I – CLEAR ONLY

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Kopernik Staff
    Public Programs

    The 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

  • Canceled Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing II – CLEAR ONLY

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Kopernik Staff
    Public Programs

    The 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

  • Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing III – CLEAR ONLY

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Kopernik Staff
    Public Programs

    The 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

  • Sci-Fi Movies: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Zoe Learner Ponterio, Manager, Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    How inaccurate does the science in a movie need to be to pull you out of the experience and ruin the whole thing? Let’s explore the balance between good storytelling and scientific accuracy. Audience participation is encouraged, so come with your personal best and worst moments in sci-fi movies to share!

    $4 – $6

  • Casual Evening of Night Sky Observing

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

    While we originally planned to be closed tonight, we just couldn't ignore the beautiful, clear-sky forecast! Join us, tonight, August 28, for an evening of Casual Night Sky Observing. There is no formal presentation this evening. Doors open at 8:30 pm to view the night sky through Kopernik’s telescopes. Observing Targets will include the Moon and later on Read More ...

    $4 – $6

  • Canceled 150 years of moving forward with Central NYS technology

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Susan I. Sherwood, Executive Director, Center for Technology & Innovation
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    Before 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

  • Fall Skies – Night Sky Observing This Season

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Jenny Cartie, Kopernik Technology Manager
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    Fall is a great time to look into the night sky! Come learn the basics of astronomy and how to navigate the sky. Discover what planets and constellations are visible this fall. Learn how to locate the International Space Station as it flies over the area. The program will include free star maps, constellation training, Read More ...

    $4 – $6

  • 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