Upcoming Events
Date: Monday, December 9
Time: 4:30PM - 6:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Saturn, the Moon, and Venus! FREE! No registration required - More information.
Date: Saturday, December 14
Times: 3:00PM Family Show - recommended for families and school-age children (age 5 and up).
SOLD OUT 6:30PM Show - recommended for age 12 and older.
Location: McAuliffe Center
The Christa McAuliffe Center is excited to bring to MetroWest the Black Hole Symphony, an immersive music production unfolding the story of black holes as engines of gravity, light, and creation through a groundbreaking fusion of art, science, and music! Two performance times at 3:00PM (Family Show) and 6:30PM. Tickets / More information.
Past Events
Date: Friday, November 22
Time: 6:00PM-7:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Follow three young flies as they inadvertently stowaway aboard Apollo 11 and join Neil, Buzz, and Michael on their mission to pull off the very first moon landing! More information.
Date: Friday, November 8
Time: 4:45PM - 6:15PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Saturn and the Moon! FREE! No registration required - More information.
Date: Friday, October 25
Times: 4:30PM - 5:00PM AND 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Explore the disturbed natural systems that regulate our warming planet with a combination of satellite imagery and computer models used by climate scientists. Tickets Available / More information.
Date: Saturday, July 27
Time: 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center & FSU Campus
Visit the Christa McAuliffe Center during FSU Police’s Touch-A-Truck Event hosted by K-9 Ramsey! Watch screenings of the short film Earthrise, explore our lifesize Neil Armstrong Apollo 11 spacesuit replica, and tour the Challenger Learning Center!
Date: Thursday, July 18
Time: 5:00PM - 7:30PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center & FSU Planetarium
Since it was launched into space in July 1999, NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory has changed our view of the Universe, and it is still capable of many more years of operation and scientific discovery! Join us in collaboration with Chandra X-ray Observatory as we celebrate Chandra’s 25th Anniversary with hands-on activities, exhibits, giveaways, and a planetarium program with guest experts!
Date: Thursday, June 20
Time: 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center
To honor the 41st anniversary of Sally Ride becoming the first American woman in space, we are hosting a special evening consisting of fun for everyone! Participate in a space mission simulation, hands-on STEM activities led by NASA Solar System Ambassadors, and a full-dome Planetarium film (showtimes at 6:30pm and 7:45pm)! More Information
Date: Friday, November 22
Time: 6:00PM-7:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Follow three young flies as they inadvertently stowaway aboard Apollo 11 and join Neil, Buzz, and Michael on their mission to pull off the very first moon landing! More information.
Date: Friday, October 25
Times: 4:30PM - 5:00PM AND 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Explore the disturbed natural systems that regulate our warming planet with a combination of satellite imagery and computer models used by climate scientists. Tickets Available / More information.
Date: Friday, May 17
Time: 7:30PM - 9:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: May Hall, FSU
Moon Party! Use telescopes to observe the Moon! FREE no registration required
Date: Friday, May 3
Time: 5:30PM-6:30PM AND 7:00PM-8:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Follow three young flies as they inadvertently stowaway aboard Apollo 11 and join Neil, Buzz, and Michael on their mission to pull off the very first moon landing! Tickets / More information.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Time: 12:00PM - 3:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center and O’Connor Parking Lot
Join us for our annual free science festival for families and learners of all ages! Explore science, technology, engineering, and math and the ways they support environmental justice, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability!
Date: Saturday, April 20
Live showtimes: 7:00PM and 8:30PM
Audience: Recommended for ages 13+
Location: McAuliffe Center
Performed in the Planetarium with stunning full dome visuals, Climate Hope Concert interweaves music and science to tell immersive stories of regeneration: projects working to heal not just our atmosphere, but our biosphere and society as a whole. Purchase Tickets / More information.
Date: Thursday, April 18
Space Resource Fair: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Panel: 2:00PM - 3:00PM
Planetarium Show: 3:00PM - 4:00PM
Location: McAuliffe Center
The Space Consortium invites you to attend Massachusetts Space Week Event Series featuring: the space resources fair, diversity, equity and inclusion panel and planetarium show. Register / More information.
Date: Tuesday, April 17
Time: 9:00AM - 11:30AM
Audience: Grades 6-9
Location: McAuliffe Center
Mission: Lunar Quest
A two-hour mission program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center. Register / More information.
Date: Tuesday, April 16
Time: 9:00AM - 11:30AM
Audience: Grades 6-9
Location: McAuliffe Center
Mission: Lunar Quest
A two-hour mission program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center. Register / More information.
Date: April 16 - April 17
Time: 9:00AM-11:30AM
Audience: Grades 6-9
Location: McAuliffe Center
Date: Friday, February 23
Time: 2:30PM-3:30PM AND 3:45PM-4:45PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Follow three young flies as they inadvertently stowaway aboard Apollo 11 and join Neil, Buzz, and Michael on their mission to pull off the very first moon landing! Tickets / More information.
Date: Thursday, February 22
Time: 9:00AM - 2:30PM
Audience: Grades 6-8
Location: McAuliffe Center
Mission: Expedition Mars
Film: Big Astronomy
A one-day program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center, watch a full-dome film in the FSU Planetarium, and do hands-on STEAM activities! Registration FULL / More information.
Date: Wednesday, February 21
Time: 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Audience: Grades 1-3 AND Required Parent/Guardian
Location: McAuliffe Center
Film: Fly Me to the Moon
A two-hour program for elementary school students and their parent/guardian to watch a full-dome film in the state-of-the-art Framingham State University Planetarium and engage in related STEAM activities! Registration FULL / More information.
Date: Wednesday, February 21
Time: 9:00AM - 2:30PM
Audience: Grades 6-8
Location: McAuliffe Center
Mission: Expedition Mars
Film: Undiscovered Worlds
A one-day program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center, watch a full-dome film in the FSU Planetarium, and do hands-on STEAM activities! Registration FULL / More information.
Date: Tuesday, February 20
Time: 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Moon, Jupiter, Pleiades, and Orion Nebula! FREE! No registration necessary - More information.
Date: Tuesday, February 20
Time: 11:30AM - 5:00PM
Audience: Grades 6-8
Location: McAuliffe Center
Mission: Expedition Mars
Film: We Are Guardians
A one-day program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center, watch a full-dome film in the FSU Planetarium, and do hands-on STEAM activities! Registration FULL / More information.
Date: February 20 - February 23
Time: Program Dependent
Audience: Programs for Elementary School, Middle School, & All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center
One-day mission and planetarium programs are back for individual participants during February School Vacation! Click here for more information about all program options — registration is open now!
Date: Sunday, January 28
Time: 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center
Save the date for our Day of Remembrance. Official remarks with a moment of silence, performance by Dr. David Ibbett, and exploration of the Challenger Learning Center and Framingham State University’s Planetarium.
Date: Saturday, January 27
Time: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center
Come explore our redesigned center! Experience the planetarium film Big Astronomy, enjoy live performances of Octave of Light by Multiverse Concert Series, experiment in the Challenger Learning Center, interact with NASA Solar System Ambassadors, and more!
CANCELED
Date: Tuesday, January 16
Time: 5:00PM - 6:30PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: McCarthy Center Patio, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and Pleiades!
CANCELED
Date: Monday, December 18
Time: 4:30PM - 6:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: McCarthy Center Patio, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and Albireo (double star)!
Date: Monday, November 20
Time: 4:30PM - 6:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: McCarthy Center Patio, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and Albireo (double star)!
Date: Thursday, November 9
Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Age Recommendation: College & Up
Location: McAuliffe Center
Learn about job opportunities and internships at the Christa McAuliffe Center!
Date: Wednesday, October 18
Time: 4:30PM - 6:00PM
Audience: High School, College, Educators
Location: McCarthy Center Forum, FSU
Representatives from some of the clean energy industries most active in Massachusetts will introduce their industries, share the exciting professional opportunities they offer, and provide suggestions on academic programs that best support career pathways in the clean energy sector.
Date: Monday, October 16
Time: 4:30PM - 6:00PM
Audience: High School, College, All Educators
Location: Alumni Room, FSU
During Massachusetts STEM Week, MathWorks hosts this session where you will explore how scientists and engineers are utilizing MATLAB and Simulink to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of climate science.
Date: Monday, October 16
Time: 1:30PM - 2:30PM
Audience: College Students, Faculty, & Staff
Location: O’Connor Hall 322
During Massachusetts STEM Week, MathWorks hosts this session using MATLAB and the Image Processing Toolbox to analyze satellite images of the rainforest spanning several years and assess the extent to which the rainforest has "disappeared."
Date: October 16 - October 20
Audience: All Ages
Massachusetts STEM Week 2023 is a statewide collaborative effort organized by the Executive Office of Education and the STEM Advisory Council in partnership with the state’s nine Regional STEM Networks, like MetroWest STEM Education Network (managed by the McAuliffe Center), which plan and coordinate activities with local school communities, community leaders, and business partners.
Date: Saturday, October 14
Time: 12:30PM - 2:30PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: In Front of May Hall, FSU
Safely observe the partial solar eclipse and participate in hands-on activities! This event is in collaboration with the Environment, Society & Sustainability Department at Framingham State University for Massachusetts STEM Week 2023 and is NASA Affiliated!
Date: Tuesday, September 5
Time: 8:00PM - 10:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: McCarthy Center Patio, FSU
Use telescopes to observe Saturn and Albireo (double star)! This event is part of Framingham State University’s Black & Gold Beginnings!
The McAuliffe Center is leading a group of local cities and towns including Framingham, Natick, Ashland, and Holliston and partners with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to contribute to the 2023 Heat Watch Campaign sponsored by NOAA in collaboration with Climate Adaptation Planning and Analytics (CAPA).
The target campaign date is July 13, 2023.
The McAuliffe Center is leading a group of local cities and towns including Framingham, Natick, Ashland, and Holliston and partners with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to contribute to the 2023 Heat Watch Campaign sponsored by NOAA in collaboration with Climate Adaptation Planning and Analytics (CAPA).
All volunteers are required to attend a mandatory one-hour training session to participate.
Date: Friday, June 16
Time: 7:00PM - 9:30PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: McCarthy Center Forum, FSU
In Partnership with the National Air and Space Museum
To honor the 40th anniversary of Sally Ride becoming the first American woman in space, we are hosting a special evening consisting of FREE fun for everyone! Participate in hands-on STEM activities led by NASA Solar System Ambassadors and hear a presentation by Dr. Margaret Weitekamp of the National Air and Space Museum! Register
Date: Thursday, May 25
Time: 8:30PM - 10:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: In Front of May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Moon, Venus, and Mars!
CANCELED
Date: Friday, April 28
Time: 8:30PM - 9:30PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: In Front of May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Moon, Venus, Mars, and Pleiades star cluster!
Date: Saturday, April 22
Time: 5:00PM - 6:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: FSU McCarthy Center Forum
Cost: FREE
We hear news of climate disaster daily: We believe that there is HOPE. Bringing together and amplifying voices of action through music interwoven with powerful presentations by scientists and activists.
Date: Saturday, April 22
Time: 2:00PM - 6:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: FSU McCarthy Center
Cost: FREE
Join us on Earth Day for our annual free science festival for families and learners of all ages! Explore science, technology, engineering, and math and the ways they support environmental justice and environmental sustainability!
CANCELED
Date: Monday, March 27
Time: 8:15PM - 9:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: In Front of May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Moon, Venus, Mars, Pleiades star cluster, and Orion Nebula!
Date: Friday, February 24
Time: 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: In Front of May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe a first quarter Moon, Jupiter, Venus, Mars, the Pleiades star cluster, and Orion Nebula!
Date: Monday, January 30 (Rescheduled)
Time: 7:00PM
Audience: Adults & Lifelong Learners
Location: Community Room, Christa McAuliffe Branch Library
Join Christa McAuliffe Center Director, Dr. Irene Porro, for an evening of art and science. Dr. Porro will use paintings to introduce topics in astronomy and space science. Followed by a Q&A.
Date: Saturday, January 28
Time: 2:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: Community Room, Christa McAuliffe Branch Library
The whole family is welcome to participate in hands-on astronomy and space science activities to conclude the Christa McAuliffe Branch Library’s Space Week!
Date: Saturday, January 28
Time: 11:39AM
Audience: All Ages
Location: Cafe, Christa McAuliffe Branch Library
Observe a moment of silence in recognition of the 37th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Following the moment of silence, Dr. Irene Porro will remark upon Christa McAuliffe’s legacy and how the McAuliffe Center will honor it through our redesign project.
Date: Friday, January 27
Time: 5:30PM - 7:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: O’Connor Lot at FSU
Use telescopes to observe a first quarter Moon, Jupiter, Venus, Mars, the Pleiades star cluster, and Orion Nebula!
Date: Monday, December 19
Performances: 4:00PM and 7:00PM
Audience: Participants of All Ages
Location: McCarthy Center Forum
Don’t miss your opportunity to attend the McAuliffe Center’s unique holiday season event at Framingham State University! Join us for a musical celebration of exoplanets with performances of Octave of Light by Multiverse Concert Series, hands-on activities, and refreshments!
Date: Friday, December 2
Time: 5:00PM - 6:30PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: McCarthy Center & O’Connor Lot
Join McAuliffe Center staff outside the McCarthy Center's main entrance to watch as the ISS passes overhead with a warm cup of hot chocolate! Continue the fun by stargazing with telescopes set up behind O'Connor Hall.
Date: Wednesday, November 9
Time: 4:30PM - 6:00PM
Audience: FSU Students, Faculty, & Staff
Location: McCarthy Center Forum & Zoom
Arts & Ideas would like to invite you to a panel discussion with producers and cast members of Young Nerds of Color. This play is based on interviews with scientists from diverse backgrounds. The panel discussion is a hybrid event.
Date: Saturday, November 5
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Audience: Junior & Cadette Girl Scouts
Location: Framingham State University
Try your hand at an industrial engineering challenge with Raytheon! Join Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts from across eastern Massachusetts at Framingham State University to try a hands-on engineering activity!
Date: Thursday, October 27
Film: 7:00PM - 9:00PM (Activities Start at 6:00PM)
Audience: Ages 14+
Location: AMC Dine-In Framingham 16
The Christa McAuliffe Center, in association with Club for the Future and Prime Video, is thrilled to host an exclusive screening of Good Night Oppy. The film tells the inspirational true story of Opportunity, a rover that was sent to Mars for a 90-day mission but ended up surviving for 15 years!
Tickets are free, but pre-registration is required.
Date: Saturday, October 22
Time: 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Audience: MA Educators & Their Families
Location: McAuliffe Center
Massachusetts educators and their families are invited to a STEM Fair event at Framingham State University during Massachusetts STEM Week 2022! Come learn about different hands-on activities you can bring to your classroom, pilot a plane, watch a show in the FSU Planetarium, visit the Christa McAuliffe Center, and see Spot the Robotic Dog!
Date: Wednesday, October 19
Time: 4:30PM - 6:00PM
Audience: FSU Students, Faculty, & Staff
Location: FSU Planetarium
Members of the Framingham State University community are welcome to attend a panel discussion prompted by the themes of Young Nerds of Color in the FSU Planetarium during Massachusetts STEM Week 2022!
Date: October 17 - October 21
Time: Screenings at 8:30AM, 10:30AM, 12:30PM, & 2:30PM
Audience: FSU Students, Faculty, & Staff
Location: FSU Planetarium
Members of the Framingham State University community are welcome to attend a FREE screening of the play Young Nerds of Color in the FSU Planetarium during Massachusetts STEM Week 2022!
Date: Friday, October 14
Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Audience: Participants of All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center
Participants of all ages are welcome to attend a FREE Open House event with exhibitors, stargazing, and planetarium programming to kick-off Massachusetts STEM Week 2022!
Date: Tuesday, September 6
Time: 7:30PM - 9:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: Outside in O’Connor Lot & McAuliffe Center
Use telescopes to observe the Full Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Albireo (double star), Mizar (star), and Epsilon Lyrae (multiple star system) while McAuliffe Center staff are available to answer your questions about telescopes and our Universe. To celebrate FSU’s Black and Gold Beginnings, we will also offer a planetarium film and tours of the Challenger Learning Center!
Date: Friday, September 2
Time: 7:30PM - 9:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: Outside in O’Connor Lot & McAuliffe Center
Use telescopes to observe the Crescent Moon, Saturn, Albireo (double star), Mizar (star), and Epsilon Lyrae (multiple star system) while McAuliffe Center staff are available to answer your questions about telescopes and our Universe. To celebrate FSU’s Black and Gold Beginnings, we will also offer a planetarium film and tours of the Challenger Learning Center!
Date: Friday, July 29
Time: 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: Christa McAuliffe Center, FSU Planetarium, and O’Connor Lot
Celebrate the release of Webb’s spectactular first full-color images and spectroscopic data! Join us for an open house with free-choice learning activities as an official NASA Webb Community Events host! This event is free, appropriate for all ages, and is in collaboration with Framingham Public Library.
Date: Friday, June 3, 2022
Time: 7:30PM
Age Recommendation: Ages 12+
Location: FSU Planetarium and McAuliffe Center
Do Earth-like planets exist elsewhere in the universe? Travel to distant stars and fly up close to exotic planets. Experience the science shifting our perspective on humanity’s place in the cosmos. The full-dome planetarium film will be followed by a McAuliffe Center open house to explore our exhibits and learn about observing with telescopes!
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2022
Time: 12:00PM - 3:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center and FSU Campus
Science on State Street is our annual free science festival for families, in collaboration with MetroWest STEM Education Network (MSEN). Explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with fun, high-quality interactive activities, demonstrations, planetarium programs, and discussions that stimulate further learning about these topics!
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2022
Time: 1:00PM - 4:30PM
Age Recommendation: Grades 6-8
Location: McAuliffe Center
A one-day program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center, watch a full-dome film in the FSU Planetarium, and do hands-on science activities related to Earth Day!
Date: Tuesday, April 12
Time: 7:30PM - 9:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: Outside in O’Connor Lot by Maynard Road
Use telescopes to observe the Moon, Pleiades, Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and Beehive Cluster while McAuliffe Center staff are available to answer your questions about telescopes and our Universe.
Date: Saturday, April 2 and 9
Time: 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Audience: FSU Accepted Students
Location: McAuliffe Center and FSU Planetarium
Welcome accepted students! During your visit to Framingham State University, stop by the Christa McAuliffe Center’s open house to explore our exhibits and see one of two showings of the full-dome planetarium show, Oasis in Space, at 11:30am and 1:00pm!
Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Time: 1:30PM - 5:30PM
Audience: FSU Community
Location: McAuliffe Center
As part of Framingham State University’s participation in the Worldwide Climate Teach-In on March 30, we will be showing the full-dome film Habitat Earth in the planetarium and holding information sessions about our paid summer internship for college students!
Date: Friday, March 18, 2022
Time: 6:30PM
Audience: Families, All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Explore world-class observatories, learn why Chile is an ideal environment for astronomy, and meet some of the diverse people who make discoveries possible! The full-dome film will be followed by a discussion and Q&A with Dr. Irene Porro and Savio Oliveira about their career paths and areas of expertise.
Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: Outside in O’Connor Lot by Maynard Road
Use telescopes to observe the Moon and other astronomical objects while McAuliffe Center staff are available to answer your questions about telescopes and our Universe.
Stargazing will be held on Tuesday, March 8!
Due to the Winter Storm Warning, this event is now virtual only.
Date: Friday, February 25, 2022
Time: 7:00PM
Age Recommendation: Ages 12+
Location: Zoom
NASA’s TESS mission is looking for planets around the brightest and closest stars in our neighborhood. MIT researchers working with TESS will share some of the interesting exoplanet systems they have found and what they hope to find in the future!
We look forward to offering this program again during future school vacations!
Date: Thursday, February 24, 2022
Time: 2:00PM - 5:30PM
Age Recommendation: Grades 6-8
Location: McAuliffe Center
A one-day program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center, watch a full-dome film in the FSU Planetarium, and do hands-on science activities related to the James Webb Space Telescope mission!
We look forward to offering this program again during future school vacations!
Date: Thursday, February 24, 2022
Time: 1:00PM - 4:30PM
Age Recommendation: Grades 6-8
Location: McAuliffe Center
A one-day program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center, watch a full-dome film in the FSU Planetarium, and do hands-on science activities related to the James Webb Space Telescope mission!
Cancelled - Stay Tuned for Our Next Stargazing Event!
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: Outside in O’Connor Lot by Maynard Road
Observe the Moon and Jupiter while McAuliffe Center staff are available to answer your questions about telescopes and our Universe. Get updated on James Webb Space Telescope’s journey through space following its successful launch and deployment!
Date: Friday, January 28, 2022
Time: 3:30PM - 5:00PM
Age Recommendation: Grades 4-7
Location: McAuliffe Branch Library
Complete physical challenges with fellow Mission Controllers to develop your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Put your skills to the test during a mission simulation to establish a habitat for astronauts to live and work on the Moon!
Date: Saturday, December 25
Time: 7:20 AM
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest astrophysics mission in NASA's history, currently expected to launch on Saturday, December 25.
Full-Dome Planetarium Film, Hands-On Activities, and Stargazing!
Dates: Friday, December 17, 2021 AND Saturday, December 18, 2021
Time: 4:00PM - 7:00PM
In-Person at the McAuliffe Center
Join the McAuliffe Center for an evening filled with fun STEAM activities. Watch the full-dome film, Big Astronomy; do James Webb Space Telescope crafts and activities; observe our night sky with telescopes; and take your holiday photos with our life-size replica of Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit!
Date: Monday, December 13, 2021
Time: 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Location: Outside in O’Connor Lot by Maynard Road
Members of the Framingham State community are invited to join us for stargazing! Use telescopes to see the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn like you’ve never seen them before!
Cloud Date: Tuesday, December 14 from 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Date: Thursday, October 21, 2021
Time: 4:30PM
Guest Speaker: Brian Coyle
Recording
From science, to finance, to education, there are innumerable ways to make positive impacts for the environment and have an enriching career that helps save nature and people. Join us for a dynamic conversation with Brian Coyle, Co-director, Earth Optimism Youth Sustainability Leadership and contributor to programs spanning conservation, sustainability, environmental health and youth leadership training.
Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Time: 5:30PM
Guest Speaker: Cleary Vaughan-Lee
Recording
In this session with Cleary Vaughan-Lee, executive director of the Global Oneness Project, discover tools which challenge students to consider changing ecosystems around the world. Multimedia stories will be shared which explore ecological understandings from various perspectives.
Date: Monday, October 18, 2021
Time: 1:00PM
Guest Speakers: From Alira Health, Definitive Healthcare, MathWorks, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, and Sanofi
Recording
We often hear references to “careers in the life sciences” without much context about what this actually entails. In this round table, we will hear from professionals with diverse expertise that include Data Science, Data Analytics, and Bioinformatics in Life Sciences. The goal of this conversation is to introduce some of the key roles in the life science industry, the skills employers are looking for, and the opportunities for students with diverse interests to contribute to this industry.
Date: Friday, October 15, 2021
Time: 7:00PM
Guest Speaker: Dr. Kathryn Flanagan
Recorded Livestream
An official NASA-sponsored Webb Space Telescope Community Event to celebrate the launch of the telescope, planned for December 18, 2021. The keynote speaker for the evening is Dr. Kathryn Flanagan, Astronomer Emerita at the Space Telescope Science Institute and former Webb mission head. Dr. Flanagan will introduce us to the largest astrophysics mission in NASA's history and the science it will return. The keynote will be preceded by a short multimedia presentation.
Date: Friday, September 17, 2021
Times: 5:30PM AND 6:30PM
Age Recommendation: Ages 10+
Cost: $5 per person
Birth of Planet Earth tells the twisted tale of our planet’s origins.
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Time: 7:30 PM
Recommended for: Ages 12+
Recording
Launching in 2021, Webb will be the premier observatory of the next decade, serving thousands of astronomers worldwide. Webb will study every phase of cosmic history: from the first luminous glows after the Big Bang; to the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets; to the evolution of our own solar system.
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Recording
We are excited to confirm Massachusetts STEM Week 2021 will be October 18-22. If you are a school or afterschool program looking for STEM Week programming, join us for this virtual information session to learn about state-sponsored Design Challenges and opportunities from MetroWest organizations/institutions!
Date: Thursday, August 26, 2021
Time: 6:00PM - 6:40PM
Age Recommendation: Ages 10+
Cost: $5 per person
Explore some of the greatest questions in science today: How did Earth become a living planet in the wake of our solar system’s violent birth? What does its history tell us about our chances of finding other worlds that are truly Earth-like?
Date: Thursday, August 26, 2021
Time: 5:00PM - 5:50PM
Age Recommendation: Ages 10+
Cost: $5 per person
Ever wonder what it would be like to fly to Mars? NASA – and others – have their sights set on the Red Planet and they’re building the technology to get us there! Destination Mars: The New Frontier gives you an up-close look at humanity’s most epic endeavor.
Date: Thursday, August 26, 2021
Time: 4:00PM - 4:40PM
Age Recommendation: Ages 10+
Cost: $5 per person
Presented with captions.
Plunge below the ocean’s surface to explore the dynamic relationships found in deep ocean ecosystems; dig beneath the forest floor to see how Earth’s tallest trees rely on tiny fungi to survive; and soar to new heights to witness the intricate intersection between human and ecological networks.
Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Time: 4:00PM - 4:40PM
Age Recommendation: Ages 10+
Cost: $5 per person
Explore some of the greatest questions in science today: How did Earth become a living planet in the wake of our solar system’s violent birth? What does its history tell us about our chances of finding other worlds that are truly Earth-like?
Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Time: 3:00PM - 3:40PM
Age Recommendation: Ages 7+
Cost: $5 per person
Water: our most precious resource. Without it, life could not exist on our planet. Is the reverse also true? If we search for water, will we also find life? Join us as we explore our solar system and discover what makes our world stand out among the Sun’s family of planets.
Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Time: 2:00PM - 2:50PM
Age Recommendation: Ages 10+
Cost: $5 per person
Presented with captions.
Ever wonder what it would be like to fly to Mars? NASA – and others – have their sights set on the Red Planet and they’re building the technology to get us there! Destination Mars: The New Frontier gives you an up-close look at humanity’s most epic endeavor.