First Friday: A Celestial Celebration
Embark on a cosmic journey with us this First Friday, as we delve into the mesmerizing realms of astronomy and space—and the captivating history of our cosmic understanding.
Join our celestial celebration and discover the “spheres of influence,” where planets, orbits, stars, and moons collide with the forces of gravity, societal pressures, norms, and education. Witness captivating science spectacles that have shaped our understanding of the universe—and meet the people behind these famous experiments that have left an indelible mark on the history of astronomy.
Immerse yourself in the tools of the trade with a hands-on collection featuring spectroscopes, telescopes, diffraction glasses, and unique celestial globes, astrolabes, and armillary globes. Touch, feel, and discover the instruments that paved the way for celestial revelations. And hear from a LightSound device, which converts light into sound so that blindness is no longer a barrier to the experience of astronomy.
You’ll also explore star charts, marginalia, and more in our historical library collections related to revolutionary advancements in astronomy.
Engage your creative side as you craft your personalized star charts. What celestial wonders will you map in the night sky? The possibilities are as vast as the cosmos itself! And don’t forget to take home a special gift: your very own solar eclipse glasses!
Be prepared for the celestial event of the season. Join us as we gear up for the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, and witness the cosmic dance in the sky.
Don’t miss this stellar experience!
About First Fridays
Spark your curiosity while exploring the exhibits after hours! First Fridays bring together a myriad of activities covering everyday science, historical oddities, and everything in between. Grab your friends, and kick off an evening of discovery, surprise, and a little nerdy fun.
First Fridays at the Institute are always free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a 10% discount to National Mechanics restaurant.
More events
Understanding the Chemical Industry’s Financial Structures and Global Expansion to Inform its Transition to Sustainability
The 2026 T. T. Chao Symposium on Innovation will focus on the relationships between finance, patterns of ownership, and world trade, which are particularly significant for the chemical industry’s transition to sustainability in the 21st century.
Othmer Library Tour
Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!
Wine, Roses, and Chocolate: How Romance and Science Work Together to Sweeten the Dark Days of February
Master flavorist Sam Tharpe, essential oil specialist Kim Bleimann, expert chocolatier Jim St.John, and chemist of wine André Isaacs uncover the unseen molecular world of romantic staples and the science that delivers them.