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Space Science Events
Starry Nights
2017 Dates and Times:
| Dates | Observing | Event |
|---|---|---|
| January 9 | 7 - 8 p.m. | Final Lunar Monday |
| February 3 | 7 - 9 p.m. | First Friday: Dinosaurs |
| March 25 | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Earth Hour |
| April 5 | 8 - 9 p.m. | Sandia Mt. Stargazing |
| May 5 | 8:30 - 10 p.m. | First Friday: Geology |
| June 30 | Starts at 8:30 p.m. | Asteroid Day |
| July 7 | Starts at 8:30 p.m. | First Friday: Wild Music |
| August 4 | Starts at 8:30 p.m. | First Friday: Total Solar Eclipse |
| September 27 | 8 - 9 p.m. | Sandia Mt. Stargazing |
| October 28 | TBA | Intl. Observe the Moon Night |
| November 3 | 7 - 9 p.m. | First Friday: Wild Music |
| December 1 | 7 - 9 p.m. | Old Town Holiday Stroll |
In 2017, we're offering monthly night-sky observing opportunities to coincide with museum, local, or international events. More specific information about each activity will be updated below as the day draws closer. Notice that some events may happen at locations other than the museum.
Members of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society will help you study the moon and stars through a variety of telescopes. Each event will feature any visible planets and other interesting objects in the sky.
International SUNday will also be celebrated on June 18 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The observing part of any event may be canceled when the sky is cloudy. If weather conditions are in question, check the museum's Facebook page for updates an hour before each event is scheduled to begin: https://www.facebook.com/NMMNHS/
Upcoming Events
August 4, 2017 - 5:30pm
On August 4, get ready for The Great American Eclipse at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (NMNHS) during $5 First Friday. An eclipse of the sun can be seen across the entire United States on Monday, August 21. For most of the country, including New Mexico, the eclipse will be partial. This means only part of the sun’s surface will be blocked by the moon and there will be no point during which it will be safe to look at the sun without proper eye protection. The only place where it will be safe to view the sun directly will be a relatively narrow path from Oregon to South Carolina, and then only for a little over two minutes while the sun is totally eclipsed.
“We want New Mexico residents to learn about this solar eclipse and find out how to enjoy it safely,” said Jim Greenhouse, NMMNHS’s Space Science Director. The Museum is focusing on this exciting sky event during the next $5 First Friday happening on August 4 from 5:30-9 p.m. Displays will show how to make an assortment of solar viewers. Video and graphic presentations will explain this eclipse of the sun. This is just a preview of the August 21 eclipse; there will be no eclipse during $5 First Friday. In addition to these activities, the whole Museum will be open for just $5 per person admission.
“We have an impressive lineup of attractions happening which will make this a can’t-miss evening,” commented Museum Director, Margie Marino. “Admission also includes access to our popular temporary exhibition Wild Music: Songs & Sounds of Nature - a highly interactive exhibition which explores evidence for the biological origins of music.” Through environmental soundscapes, exhibits, and listening experiences, visitors are invited to explore nature’s score and expand their understanding of what makes music.
The DynaTheater will be showing its newest film, Space Next, for an additional $5 at 6 p.m. Space Next offers a glimpse into tomorrow, and the possibilities of what is to come by way of private space developments and national space programs. The result is a mesmerizing display of interplanetary excellence sure to inspire a generation of explorers, scientists, and dreamers.
The planetarium will present Fractal Friday at the usual times of 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. with the normal admission of adults $10, seniors $7, and children (3-12) $5. Shows typically sell out in advance, so get your tickets early on brownpapertickets.com.
Members of the Albuquerque Astronomical Society will be helping to locate objects in the night sky in the observatory, weather permitting, starting at 8:30 p.m. The Nature Works store will be selling eclipse glasses and other unique gifts from 5:30-8 p.m. on this First Friday. The new Hope Café will be open continuously from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. that day, so you can enjoy dinner while waiting for the museum to reopen (only the café entrance will be open from 5-5:30 p.m.)
November 3, 2017 - 5:30pm
Explore the Wild Music exhibit and hear sounds from around the world during this $5 First Friday. More details about this event are coming soon.