Special Events

Night Skies in the Observatory

Thursday, May 24 - 7:00PM-10:00PM (Presentation at 8:00PM)
Note Date Change!
Topic: Telescopes as Time Machines - Dr. Jason Kalirai, Space Telescope Science Institute
Astronomers use telescopes to study the light that objects in the Universe emit. This light can provide us with information on the motion, ages, and composition of celestial objects. At the forefront of astronomical research today is the Hubble Space Telescope. Hubble is the size of a school bus and has been capturing breathtaking images of the cosmos for over 20 years, orbiting Earth once every 90 minutes. Following on Hubble's amazing discoveries, NASA will soon launch its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope. Webb will be much larger and more powerful than Hubble, and will provide answers to fundamental questions such as whether there are planets like Earth around other stars in the nearby Milky Way. Take a tour of the James Webb Space Telescope and see how astronomers will use it as a cosmic time machine, to go back in time to the point that the first stars and galaxies turned on after the Big Bang created the Universe.

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 ages 5 and up) 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 at The Franklin Institute! Admission is $5.00. Members are free. Advance reservations are not needed. Tickets are sold on-site when you arrive.

To learn more about the Joel N. Bloom Observatory click here.

Special Offer for Memorial Day Weekend!

Saturday, May 26
Sunday, May 27
Monday, May 28

In recognition and honor of all men and women who have served or are currently serving our country, The Franklin Institute offers half-off the price of admission to those military personnel and their families on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (May 26-28).

Offer valid for active-duty and retired military personnel with valid ID. Up to five additional family members will receive the admission discount. *Discount excludes Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Ancient Times.

Kitchen Science

Saturday, June 2 - 1:00PM-3:00PM
Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
Free with Museum Admission

Once a month, we showcase kitchen science on Saturday afternoons. These fun- and flavor-filled events engage you in an exploration of food science through hands-on, tastebud-activating activities that help you understand the science behind food and cooking.

Sugar Content in Food (seasonal food: strawberries, iced coffee): Saturday, June 2, 2012
Have you ever wondered how much sugar goes into your favorite sweet treats? Compare popular sodas, juices and seasonal foods and learn more about making healthy snack choices.

Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream: Saturday, July 7, 2012
Join TFI staff in a super cool demonstration of how liquid nitrogen is used to make fast, delicious ice cream right before your very eyes! Sample this unique creation and then vote for your favorite flavors.

Transit of Venus Observation

Tuesday, June 5 - 4:30PM Presentation, 5:30PM-9:00PM Observation
$5.00 per person. (Free for Members of The Franklin Institute)
Reservations are not required.

Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts guides visitors through the transit of Venus on the rooftop deck at The Franklin Institute!
With a special presentation by planetary geologists and specialists on the volcanology of Venus—Dr. Vicki Hanson & Dr. Tracy Gregg.

Precise alignment of the Sun, Venus, and Earth causes Venus to be seen in silhouette against the face of the sun. Transits of Venus are very rare, coming in pairs separated by more than a hundred years. This June's transit won't be repeated until the year 2117. On Tuesday, June 5, visitors are invited to watch from The Franklin Institute's spectacular rooftop deck where a flock of astronomical telescopes will be set up to provide various views of the transit. Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts will provide a guided tour of this astronomical phenomenon—as Venus passes between the Earth and the Sun—starting at 5:30PM.

In the Fels Planetarium, a short lecture by two experts on the geology of Venus will take place at 4:30PM, immediately preceding the rooftop transit viewing.

4:00PM - Fels Planetarium Doors Open
4:30PM - Presentation by Dr. Hanson & Dr. Tracy Gregg followed by Q&A
5:30PM - 5th floor rooftop deck observing
6:03PM - Transit of Venus begins
8:26PM - Sunset; transit continues; however not directly visible.
9:00PM - Event ends

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