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

Orange Liberty Bell logo for Halloween in the Historic District
October 19, 2024
For Families

Stories of Science: Mystery Science

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

cover of comic book
October 19, 2024
Drop-In Tours

School Lunch Tour

This interactive drop-in tour reveals how food scientists, the government, and the public have shaped in-school nutrition.

book cover
October 23, 2024
Programs, Lectures & Talks

Shopping All the Way to the Woods: Rachel Gross

From Gore-Tex to do-it-yourself kits, hear how synthetic fibers have transformed the outdoor industry.

    Republish

    Copy the above HTML to republish this content. We have formatted the material to follow our guidelines, which include our credit requirements. Please review our full list of guidelines for more information. By republishing this content, you agree to our republication requirements.