Kopernik Observatory & Science Center
Welcome to the premier observatory and science center in New York State!
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
On Saturday, April 11, from 1 pm to 4 pm, Kopernik is teaming up with Binghamton University to host a special Brain Day event. You can come up with your child or grandchild to engage in several brain-related activities, and they can learn more about the most complex part of the human body, which happens to be located between the Read More …
Learn about the different tick species and the associated pathogens they may carry throughout NY, how to prevent tick bites and what to do if you’re bitten. Mandy will discuss some of her research with outdoor workers and their risk of tick-bites.
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 …