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  • 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

  • Comets and Meteors – Perseid Meteor Shower Preview

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Race to the Stars 2026 – Registration Required

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

    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

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

Learn More