Astronomy Weekends at The Franklin Institute

On weekends in May and June, join The Franklin Institute for special Astronomy themed programming, to coincide with the special exhibition Galileo, the Medici and the Age of Astronomy (open April 4 - September 7).

Activities Include:

Star Decoder: Use diffraction gratings to discover how light can be used to identify different chemical elements and learn how scientists use this data to "decode" the mysteries of distant galaxies.

World's Cheapest Space Suit: Discover why real spacesuits cost many millions of dollars as we compile a "slightly" discounted version before your eyes.

The Joel N. Bloom Observatory: Take a look at the sun through our historic Zeiss refracting telescope. Weather Permitting.

Telescope Cart: Galileo was one of the first to observe the moon and planets with a telescope. Explore a simple telescope like Galileo's and learn about his astonishing discoveries at this hands-on cart.

Astrolabe Cart: An astrolabe can be thought of as an ancient, portable, celestial computer. Learn how these complex devices work through this interactive cart.

What Was Galileo Thinking? Live Show! Join us as we put Galileo's thought experiments to the test and reveal why he is considered the Father of Modern Science. We'll run experiments on falling objects, projectiles, inclined planes, and pendulums—all with a little help from our audience!

Plus: see a show in the Fels Planetarium!

Astronomy activities are included in Sci-Pass admission. Galileo exhibition requires an additional ticket.

Schedule subject to change. Be sure to check the program guide upon arrival for updates and changes.

Galileo, the Medici and the Age of Astronomy was created in partnership with the Istituto e Museo della Storia di Scienza of Florence, Philadelphia's Sister City, and the Medici Archive Project.

Marketing support is provided by grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.

Celestron: Astronomy Sponsor, Peco: Community Sponsor, 6ABC: Media Partner