Special Events

Dinosaur Family Sunday

Sunday, February 5, 2012 - 12:00PM-4:00PM
Free with admission to Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs

Visitors to Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs are invited to talk with dinosaur experts on Sunday, February 5, 2012 during a special "Family Sunday." Paleontologists and dinosaur researchers from the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia will be on hand to answer questions, talk about their excavation projects, and discuss the dinosaurs on display. Each expert brings their own unique experience and conversations will cover a variety of dinosaur-related topics. Look for these special guests at the "Dinosaur Cart" inside the Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs exhibit from 12:00PM-4:00PM on Sunday, February 5.

PLUS: Don't miss the Dinosaur Roar Contest - 3:00PM in the Atrium!
Let's hear your best dinosaur impersonation! Join TFI educators in the Atrium at 3:00PM for a "roar-off."

Night Skies in the Observatory

February 9 - 6:00PM-9:00PM (Presentation at 7:00PM)
Astronomical Highlights for 2012
Franklin Institute Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts presents the must-see astronomical events calendar for the year. Eclipses, conjunctions, transits, comets, meteor showers and apocalyptic catastrophic events all figure in to this year's celestial highlights. Don't let the Mayans have all the fun this year!

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.

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