March 29, 4:15 pm

Join us in the Planetarium for a free talk with Philippe Yao, Princeton University. Discover the hidden rhythms of the cosmos in this fascinating journey through periodic astrophysical transients at the center of galaxies. From stars shredded by supermassive black holes in Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs) to mysterious Quasi-Periodic Eruptions (QPEs) flickering like cosmic heartbeats, these phenomena reveal the incredible dynamics of black holes and their surrounding environments. Prepare to delve into the universe’s most extreme laboratories of gravity and light!
Reserve your seat

April 12, 9:45 am, 11:00 am, 12:15 pm

Weather and Clouds are coming your way! Come explore the clouds in our American Perspectives exhibit and join the wet and wild weather activities. Small Explorers is for Trenton-area families with children ages 5 and under and is supported by a grant from PNC Grow Up Great. Program is not accepting any more registrations.

April 26, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Celebrate Earth Day and the new exhibition "Ecosystems at Risk: Threatened and Endangered in New Jersey."
Enjoy hands-on activities, talks, urban birdwatching (weather permitting), and more with Museum curators and guests from the Tulpehaking Nature Center, New Jersey Audubon, Mercer County Master Gardeners, and New Jersey DEP Watershed Ambassador. Visitors can also pick up coupon valid for $2 off the 1:00 pm Planetarium show "We are Guardians," at the main entrance desk upon check in, while supplies last.

Program schedule:

• 10:30 am - Urban birdwatching; meet in front of Museum
• 11:30 am - Water health talk & I.D. activity; Riverview Court
• 1:00 pm - Planetarium show "We are Guardians"
• 2:00 pm - Tidal marshland talk; Riverview Court

Ongoing activities - sun printing, sun spotting/sun telescope (weather permitting); interactive sandbox; bird activity station, gardening station, EnviroScape and pollinator activities.

April 26, 4:15 pm

Join us in the Planetarium for a free talk with Dr. Cyril Creque-Sarbinowski, Center for Computational Astrophysics. The Universe had a fiery birth and will eventually face a distant, uncertain fate. By studying cosmic relics and the fundamental forces shaping space and time, we can trace its journey from the Big Bang to its ultimate destiny. Join us as we explore what we know about the Universe’s origins—and what might await it in the far future.
Reserve your seat

May 9 & 23

On May 9th we will have a special extended star talk in the planetarium at 7:15pm. We will discuss what is visible in the night sky that evening, with an extra focus on deep sky objects that are observable with telescopes. After the star talk ends around 8pm, we will caravan for the drive to Washington Crossing State Park where the Amateur Astronomer’s Association of Princeton has the Simpson Observatory. There, we will use the historic telescopes maintained by the club to view the objects we discussed at the planetarium. For detailed directions to the Simpson Observatory and how to enter the park to access it, go to https://princetonastronomy.org/public_nights . Make sure to dress warmly, as it cools off significantly after sunset!

If weather does not cooperate, the extended star talk will instead be followed by a showing of our new planetarium show, Spark. The program repeats on May 23rd but begins slightly later, at 7:45pm.

Local families are welcome to register for the Small Explorers program, taking place in the Discovery Den on the second Saturday of the month, October through June. This playgroup is an opportunity for you to explore the Museum with your child and connect with other families for support. Families are encouraged to sign up for a full year of sessions to build knowledge, skills and relationships. The program is 45 minutes long and begins promptly. Sessions take place in-person at 9:45, 11:00 and 12:15 PM in the Discovery Den, The program is FREE, but space is limited; advance registration is required. Contact Susan.Kozak-Buckley@sos.nj.gov to learn more and register.

Small Explorers is supported by a grant from PNC Grow Up Great.

NOTE: Registration requests must be received by 10:00 am the Friday before the event in order to allow time for staff to confirm space availability.

Visit the Events/Calendar page for monthly program details and to register.