Celebrating 75 Years: Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s Anniversary Extravaganza!

The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a weekend of activities from April 6th to 8th. On April 6th, the UNC Science Expo, which is expected to draw around 10,000 attendees, will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature over 100 booths staffed by students, faculty, researchers, and others, offering hands-on activities and science demonstrations.

During the UNC Science Expo, attendees can purchase tickets for fulldome planetarium shows at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Food trucks will also be available nearby to grab a bite to eat. On April 8th, the celebration continues with a total solar eclipse watch party from 12:30 to 4:45 p.m., where free hands-on activities will be available outside and science educators will assist with eclipse viewing at outdoor sun-viewing stations. Eclipse glasses will be sold for $2 to ensure safe viewing of the eclipse.

For $10, attendees can purchase admission to the Carolina Skies: Solar Eclipse presentation, which includes information about solar eclipses and a livestream of the eclipse from totality on the Science Stage. This event will also include activities in the Launch Lab and other exhibits. Tickets can be purchased in advance through NCSciFest.org. Todd Boyette, director of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, has highlighted this eclipse watch party as one of his favorite moments during his tenure at the center.

The UNC Science Expo is part of the North Carolina Science Festival presented by RTI International’s National Museum of Natural History & Science (NMNHS). The festival offers over 400 science-themed events throughout North Carolina during April.

Attendees are encouraged to check out other events at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center during this time such as stargazing sessions or visiting their museum exhibits.

Overall, this anniversary celebration promises to be exciting and memorable for all who attend!