Jun
23

Astronomy Watch Party

The cosmos are calling!

10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

Where:
The Dome
Tickets:
Included with Admission
Age:
All Ages
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The cosmos are calling!

Join us June 23 for the Vera C. Rubin First Look, a coordinated global event, offering a chance to explore the universe through the most powerful camera ever built. Celebrate the first-ever images taken by the world's newest survey telescope located at the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile. Ring in this new era in astronomy and astrophysics by experiencing images being released for the first time.

From 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., the Science Museum’s astronomer will broadcast the live international press conference on The Dome’s nearly quarter-acre screen, the largest wrap-around screen in Virginia. Guests are welcome to stay the entire time, or pop in and out as their schedule allows. The images are expected to be released at around 11:20 a.m.

In the afternoon, guests can learn about the vital role ultra-high-definition telescopes play in advancing space discovery. The new astronomy show Messengers of Time and Space will run at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. After the 30-minute film, a Science Museum astronomy educator will show the new Rubin Observatory images released during the morning press conference.

Unlike the morning programming, the afternoon programming requires reservations. Tickets to see Messengers of Time and Space are free, but guests must reserve their seat at Guest Services before the show begins. Tickets to the Messengers of Time and Space shows at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. are only available on-site and as an add-on to general admission.

We’ll be over the moon if you’ll join us for this stellar experience!

Photo credit:

RubinObs/NOIRLab/SLAC/NSF/DOE/AURA/H. Stockebrand