High in the foothills of the Andes mountains in Chile, a new observatory and telescope are coming online. The Vera Rubin Observatory, named after a scientist integral to the discovery of dark matter, is poised to begin research operations this summer. The 8.4 meter telescope hosts the largest digital camera telescope ever built and will image the entire southern sky every few nights for the next decade. Join us to learn what this telescope means to the world of astronomical discovery!

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.

Tickets: Non-members $25/class.  Members $20/class.  Students $10/class (Valid Student ID required).

In the summer, we celebrate the anniversary of the first moon landing while looking forward to the prospect of a new lunar landing in the next few years. Join Astronomer Dr. Wes Ryle and Collections and Archives Manager Mandy Askins to explore the past, present, and future of American lunar exploration. Crewed missions to the moon are the greatest example of where politics and science meet. We will discuss the history of the space race and the renewed push for humans on the moon, alongside the science that is accomplished as part of these missions. 

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.

Tickets: Non-members $25/class, Members $20/class, Student (with valid ID) $10/class