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  • RocketFest 2026 – Registration Required

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

    This event requires registration (see link below). RocketFest 2026 is a GO! Pick a launch time, choose a skill level, pickup your rocket kit, build it at home, and return to Kopernik on May 30 to launch it high in the sky!

    $30 – $50

  • Summer 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

    The 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 States
    Dana Carris M.S. Maritime Archaeologist
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    Shipwrecks, 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

  • KoperniKids: Not a Box

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

    Registration Required Come enjoy a morning of STEM fun with Not a Box! Inspired by the beloved book, students will use their creativity and problem-solving skills to transform ordinary boxes into extraordinary creations. We’ll provide all the materials — you just bring your imagination! KoperniKids is a kid-friendly approach to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Read More ...

    $25

  • Polish Picnic 2026

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

    The Kopernik Society of Broome County (heritage committee) invites you to a Polish Picnic at the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center! Menu: Kielbasa, pierogi, Kapusta(cabbage), hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, water, and soda Please bring a dish to pass (salad, dessert, fruit, etc.) Playground for children; “pond life exploration” under microscope; telescopes for viewing; Caricatures/drawing FREE-WILL Read More ...

    Free

  • From Rooftops to Space: The New Era of Solar Cells

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Tara P. Dhakal, PhD Professor, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Binghamton University
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    Solar 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

  • KoperniKids: Butterflies and Moths

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

    Registration Required As spring returns so will our favorite insects- the pollinators.Children will explore the fascinating world of butterflies and moths as they learn about their life cycles. They’ll even create their own models to show each stage of growth — from egg to adult — and discover why these amazing insects are so important Read More ...

    $25

  • The Magic of Fireflies: Is their bright light fading?

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Julie Thompson-Slacum, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay Field Office Division-Chief
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    Fireflies, 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 States
    Kopernik Staff
    Public Programs

    Is 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 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

  • The Sun: Our Eruptive Neighbor

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Katelyn Sonnen, APS Graduate Student, University of Colorado-Boulder
    Hybrid Program
    Public Programs

    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.

    $4 – $6

  • Geocaching: 21st Century Treasure Hunting

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

    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.

    $4 – $6

CLEAR SKY ALERT – Doors Open at 7:30 PM Tonight, April 17, for a STEM Talk & Observing

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