Observe the night sky and explore the world beyond! Gaze at the stars through high-performance telescopes and see a portable planetarium show. Join the Museum for this FREE, fun-filled night of astronomical proportions!
Food vendor available. Doors open and stargazing begins at 6 p.m. Let’s reach for the stars!
This event is made possible in part by the UF Astronomy Department, Alachua Astronomy Club, Santa Fe Astronomy Program and Kika Silva Pla Planetarium.
Don’t forget to pick up your Passport to the Universe! Keep track of the activities you participate in and receive a prize!
2018 Activities Coming Soon!
These demonstrations and activities are ongoing from 6 to 10 p.m. unless noted:
Ask an Astronomer (Denny Gallery)
Want to know more about stars and the universe?
Ask a professional astronomer!
Astro Activities (Discovery Zone)
Learn about space with fun activities and interactive games!
Craters! (Patio Area)
Create craters and learn how material from space affects the moon.
Cosmic Time Tunnel (Galleria)
Experience a journey through cosmic time and space as you travel from Earth to the outer parts of the universe.
Dinner Vendor (Front Patio)
Enjoy tasty treats and dinner under the stars from High Springs Orchard and Bakery.
Discover the Invisible Universe (Back Lawn)
Listen to radio waves emitted by the Milky Way using the Radio JOVE low-frequency radio telescope. Learn how you can use this equipment to listen to radio waves from Jupiter and the Sun.
Gran Telescopio CANARIAS (Denny Gallery)
Investigate the science and technology used to create the world’s largest telescope, the Gran Telescopio Canarias.
Kika Silva Pla Planetarium (Denny Gallery)
Visit with staff of the Santa Fe College Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, and discover how the team is “bringing the universe to our community.”
Portable Planetarium Show (presentations every 30 minutes starting at 6 p.m.)
Enjoy the wonders of the constellations and the solar system with this fun and exciting show! Make sure to get your ticket early!
Prizes and Giveaways (Outside. Front Entrance)
Return your completed “Passport to the Universe” to receive a prize.
Space Systems Design Club (Outside, Front Entrance)
Adults and children alike can sit in the UF Small Satellite Design Club’s “Gyro-chair” to experience the conservation of angular-momentum. Learn how satellites orient themselves in space!
Santa Fe College Astronomy Program (Denny Gallery)
Discover the Santa Fe College Astronomy Program and see objects like a portion of the Campo del Cielo, a 70-pound meteorite, as well as space shuttle tiles. Discover the oddities of rocks from space and find out how they differ from ones on Earth!
Stargazing (Outside, Back Lawn)
View celestial bodies through professional-quality telescopes with the help of astronomers from the Alachua Astronomy Club.
Students for Exploration and Development of Space Comets! (Outside)
Learn about comets and see what they are made of!
Telescope Clinic (Outside)
Join the Alachua Astronomy club for demonstrations of reflector and refractor telescopes. Gaze through both and see the difference!
Tim Malles Space Art (Front Entrance)
See an exhibition of space-inspired art by area artist Tim Malles, who contributed brass plaques to the Gainesville Solar Walk project on Northwest Eighth Avenue.
Tools We Use (Denny Gallery)
Learn about the fascinating and unusual tools astronomers use to study the universe.
Organizer
Venue
3215 Hull RoadGainesville, FL 32611