Special Events
Astronomy Weekends
Every weekend, from now through September 20, come to The Franklin Institute for special Astronomy themed programming, to coincide with the special exhibitions Galileo, the Medici and the Age of Astronomy (through September 7) and STAR TREK: THE EXHIBITION (through September 20).
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 and STAR TREK exhibitions require an additional ticket.
Schedule subject to change. Be sure to check the program guide upon arrival for updates and changes.
Night Skies in the Observatory
The Joel N. Bloom Observatory is open for evening public observing on the 2nd Thursday night of every month.
About Night Skies in the Observatory:
Hosted by Chief Astronomer at The Franklin Institute, Derrick Pitts, the Joel N. Bloom Observatory is open late to the public and offers 5 different telescopes for you to view celestial objects in the sky, including stars, planets, nebulae, and if conditions are right, a galaxy or two. The evening includes a Fels Planetarium show and a lecture or presentation (appropriate for all ages) on an astronomical or space science topic. The Observatory is staffed with knowledgeable observers and free star maps are provided. Meet some BIG STARS on the second Thursday of each month (7-10pm), as we feature expanded "Night Skies" observation programming during the run of the Galileo exhibition.
Sponsored By:
Earth Fair 2009
One Planet Is All We Get!
July 11 and 12, 2009
10:00AM - 3:00PM
Free with museum admission
The Franklin Institute hosts Earth Fair 2009 | One Planet Is All We Get! - an opportunity for visitors to explore how to live more sustainably on our planet. On July 11th & 12th Earth Fair participants can become actively involved in this pursuit through interaction with local organizations providing information and expertise in such areas as solar energy, recycling, earth-friendly products, water conservation, and more. Visitors will learn about local environmental issues, local and global impacts of climate change, and how to reduce their footprint with transportation alternatives and green practices. There will be make-and-takes and face painters reflecting the spirit of the event with special presentations on our resident red-tailed hawks! Come discover more about The Franklin Institute's sustainability initiatives including exciting new future exhibitions and programs!
Funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
Star Trek Family Night
FAMILY NIGHT:
Star Trek Quizzo & Costume Contest
Hosted by the U.S.S. Sovereign local costumed fan group!
Thursday, July 16 @ 6:30PM
Bring the family to The Franklin Institute for an entertaining evening of Star Trek facts, fandom and fun! Test your knowledge of one of science fiction's most celebrated creations and meet members of the local Star Trek fan group, U.S.S. Sovereign!
Spectacular prizes will be handed out to the LUCKY WINNERS!!! Visitors are also invited to come dressed in their favorite Star Trek finery. Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed costumed visitor as well!
Come in early (after 5pm) to tour STAR TREK: THE EXHIBITION at a special evening rate of $12.00!
Date: Thursday, July 16
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
Location: Fels Planetarium
Admission: FREE with advance registration!
Advance registration is required; please call 215-448-1254.
START YOUR ENGINES!
It's time for The Franklin Institute's annual celebration of Race Car driving!
It's one of our most popular events of the year! Join us on Wednesday, July 29 from 11am-5pm for Race Car Day 2009, presented in partnership with Pocono Raceway.
Don't miss it! Pocono Raceway and other area racetracks will be onsite as we speed through the science behind what makes these fast cars go! Kids: make your own racecars and challenge others to see whose car can take the checkered flag! Plus: a fan favorite: Dollar Dogs are back!
Enter to Win Our Grand Prize!
Tickets to Pocono Raceway!
Enter to win the event's Grand Prize: 4 Grandstand and Terrace Platinum tickets to both Saturday's and Sunday's races at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Pocono Raceway on August 1st and 2nd, including one night's accommodations!
AND: One lucky child from the Grand Prize winning family will get to drop the checkered flag as the ARCA Race Honorary Finisher and on race day their family will be escorted to Victory Lane!
The winner will be announced at 3PM. Must be present to claim prize.
This is an event you don't want to miss, so be sure to speed on over to The Franklin Institute for Race Car Day 2009!
An Evening with Star Trek's Avery Brooks & Author Samuel Delany
Friday, July 31, 2009
7:00PM - Franklin Theater
Join us for an evening of conversation with actor and Rutgers professor Avery Brooks (the African-American captain of "Deep Space Nine") and iconic African-American science fiction author and Temple professor Samuel Delany. The two men, known for testing boundaries and barriers within their work, will explore race, science fiction and other themes in a wide-ranging and fascinating dialogue. Programmed as part of The Franklin Institute's Race and Star Trek exhibits, the event will be moderated by Betty Lawrence.
Admission is $5.00. Members are free.
Call 215.448.1254 to register.
Calling All Astronomers!
Rittenhouse Astronomical Society Monthly Meetings!
Bring all of your out-of-this-world questions!
Join The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30PM in the Fels Planetarium. The society offers all persons an opportunity to participate in the activities of an astronomical group at the layman's level. They aim to spread knowledge, awareness, and enjoyment of astronomy and astronomical issues. It is a popular science club that keeps its members up-to-date on the latest developments. No experience is necessary to attend the FREE meetings. Come with your astronomy questions! www.rittenhouseastronomicalsociety.org