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  • 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

  • Race to the Stars 2026 – Registration Required

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Nick Gretzinger, Race Coordinator
    Special Events

    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!

    $10 – $30

  • 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 historian and consultant, will review the invention and development of immersive "sky theaters", the tech and people that make them successful, and the astronomy and other types of programming trending now.

    $4 – $6

  • KoperniKids: Apples, Apples, Apples – Registration Required

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

    Registration Required Apples are a fruit of abundance this time of year. Did you know it is our state fruit? We will learn about the life cycle of an apple tree and use our senses to explore apples. This will be a sweet morning full of apple fun! KoperniKids is a kid-friendly approach to Science, Read More ...

    $20 – $25

  • 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

  • KoperniKids: Pumpkins, Science, and FUN! – Registration Required

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

    Registration Required Calling all young scientists! Join us for a morning of pumpkin science where we'll investigate whether pumpkins sink or float, act out the pumpkin lifecycle with movement and music, create unique pumpkin art, and much more! Expect hands-on excitement, a story, silly songs, and tons of discovery. Wear your Halloween costume and receive Read More ...

    $20 – $25

  • KoperniKids: World Science Day – Registration Required

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

    Registration Required World Science Day is November 10, 2026! Come celebrate with us! Science is all around us—and it’s full of surprises! Let’s celebrate the amazing world of science and discover how it helps us understand the world we live in. At Kopernik, we LOVE making science fun! Spend the morning exploring magical creatures, traveling Read More ...

    $20 – $25