Kopernik Observatory & Science Center

The Sun: Our Eruptive Neighbor
2026-07-17 20:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, 13850, United States
The 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.

Geocaching: 21st Century Treasure Hunting
2026-07-24 20:30 - 21:30
Looking 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.

The Next Generation of Electric Buses and Trucks
2026-07-31 20:30 - 21:30
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 in 2026.

Comets and Meteors - Perseid Meteor Shower Preview
2026-08-07 20:00 - 21:00
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.

Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing I – CLEAR ONLY
2026-08-11 21:00 - 23:00
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 or call (607) 748-3685 after 5 p.m. to confirm that Kopernik will be open for viewing.

Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing II – CLEAR ONLY
2026-08-12 21:00 - 23:00

Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing III – CLEAR ONLY
2026-08-14 21:00 - 23:00

Sci-Fi Movies: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
2026-08-21 20:00 - 21:00
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!

150 years of moving forward with Central NYS technology
2026-08-28 20:00 - 21:00
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 circuits for space exploration and video games.

Race to the Stars 2026 - Registration Required
2026-09-12 17:30 - 20:30
This event requires registration (see link below). Kopernik’s Race to the Stars 5K road race is an annual fundraiser that started in 2018. Join us for this special 5K road race through the hills surrounding the Observatory. We invite all to participate by sponsoring, donating, running, and cheering your friends and family on!

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