Activities
LOUD NOISE WARNING: During the entirety of the event, on both Saturday and Sunday, Blast-Off Rockets will be fired off on the Bicentennial Plaza, near the Museum’s Nature Exploration Center (NEC) entrance. The rockets make a loud popping noise caused by the instant release of pressurized air. If you are sensitive to loud or unexpected noises, please consider entering the Museum through the Nature Research Center (NRC) at 121 W Jones St.
Age, Weight and Jumping on Other Planets
The AstroNerd
Step into our interactive exhibit and discover how you’d measure up on other planets! Find out how old you’d be, how much you’d weigh, and how high you could jump if you lived on worlds like Mars, Jupiter, or Saturn.
Animals of the Constellations
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Have you ever wondered how the constellations got their names? There are 88 constellations in the sky and many of them are named after animals! Come meet some of these critters and learn about the mythology and natural history of the animals, as well as how constellations provide a map of the night sky.
Ask a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador
NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors
Come and chat with NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors and get answers to all your burning questions about space exploration, astronomy, and the wonders of our solar system! Whether you’re curious about distant planets, galaxies, or the latest missions, our experts are here to share their knowledge and spark your curiosity.
Astronomy Days T-Shirt Sales
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Purchase this year’s shirt with its awesome spacey design!
Astronomy with Binoculars
Raleigh Astronomy Club
View a display of low-cost astronomy equipment for Astrophotography.
Astrophotography
Raleigh Astronomy Club
Come view excellent examples of astro photos taken by members of the Raleigh Astronomy Club. Examples of astrophotography gear will be exhibited and members will be available to discuss techniques and processes.
Blast Off Rockets
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Create a rocket masterpiece and prepare to launch it sky-high!
Bring Back the Night Sky
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Light pollution affects all of us on the planet, from astronomers to sea turtles. Find out about this environmental issue and what you can do to help bring back the night sky!
Constellation Exploration
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Learn about the history and uses of constellations and then use a flashlight to head out into “space” to track down some constellations right here in the Museum!
Exoplanets
Raleigh Astronomy Club
Learn about the methods used for detecting Exoplanets and see some models of Exoplanets. We’ll use our own version of the Kepler Space Telescope, a Lego orrery and artificial star to demonstrate the transit method of detecting Exoplanets. Visitors can also learn about the Drake Equation and input their own variables to see how many other communicating civilizations are in our galaxy. We’ll also have a video illustrating the Fermi Paradox.
Finding the North Star and Others
Raleigh Astronomy Club
Learn how to use the Big Dipper as a tool for finding the North Star (Polaris) and take a look at how the sky moves throughout the night and year!
Green Roof Solar Observing
NC Museum of Natural Sciences – Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Lab
See our star up close at Astronomy Days! Astronomers will set up solar telescopes on the 4th floor terrace of the Nature Research Center to safely view the Sun with special filters. You’ll see fascinating solar surface features like plasma loops and possibly a few sunspots! Scientists and experienced volunteers will be on-hand to explain and answer questions. 1:00pm-2:30pm, both days, weather permitting.
How Craters Are Formed
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Learn the ‘hole’ story! From the surface of Earth, to the moon and other celestial bodies, discover the origin, speech and size of the meteors that caused these impressive pockmarks throughout the universe!
Lunar Landers and Mars Rovers Maker Station
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Can you create an amazing robot or spaceship from found materials? Try your hand at creating your own special machine or recreate a model of the lunar lander or Mars rover!
PlaySPACE
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Babies and toddlers will enjoy space themed toys and games in this designated “blast-off” area for our youngest visitors and their guardians.
Quiet Space
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Our quiet space is an area where visitors can take a break from the events and activities. This space is sectioned off and available for visitors with anxiety, stress, and sensory overstimulation. Guests are also provided with sensory toys, coloring pages, books, and noise-canceling headphones (upon request). People of all ages and abilities are welcome to take advantage of our quiet space.
Raleigh Astronomy Club
Meet and greet museum visitors who are interested in astronomy. Also, learn about how the club supports astronomy in the greater Raleigh area and check out upcoming events.
Solar Observing
Raleigh Astronomy Club
Safely observe the Sun through filtered telescopes provided by local amateur astronomers.
Telescopes on Display
Raleigh Astronomy Club
Take a look at the Moon and planets through local amateur astronomer telescopes and accept our ‘challenge at the eyepiece’ to locate specific lunar features! A variety of telescopes will be on display.