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  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Geocaching: 21st Century Treasure Hunting

    Kopernik Observatory & Science Center 698 Underwood Rd., Vestal, NY, United States
    Leann Lesperance & Drew Deskur
    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

  • 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

  • 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
    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

  • 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