Science for All Summit
2026-02-19 08:00 - 2026-02-20 15:00 (America/New_York) | Friday Conference Center, 100 Friday Center Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27517, United States
Turn Motivation into Action

Are you a student, educator, or other change agent? The fourth annual Science for All Summit returns this year on February 19 and 20! Produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, this two-day Summit offers engaging conversations, workshops, and sessions focused on access and opportunity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

At the Summit, we will provide opportunities to share new research findings, exchange resources, discuss strategies, and demonstrate effective practices and interventions. The 2026 program will include keynote addresses by Dr. Connie Locklear, Dr. Jessica Hernandez, and Dr. Sarina Saturn.

Learn more about the Summit

Skywatching at Little River Regional Park
2026-02-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Little River Regional Park, 301 Little River Park Way, Rougemont, North Carolina, 27572, United States
Nothing goes together like a space enthusiast and a telescope! On Saturday, February 21, join Morehead staff and volunteers from Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS) for awe-inspiring views of the night sky. With the help of our astronomy educators, you can catch close-up views of the waxing crescent moon and peeks of Jupiter.

This informal session is free and open to the public. You are welcome to arrive and leave at any time during the program. To make the most of your night, we suggest bringing along a cozy blanket or some chairs and your favorite snacks for a relaxing time.

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please leave your pets at home, even if they’re on a leash. The combination of darkness, crowds, expensive telescopes, and pets isn’t ideal, and pets won’t be allowed near the telescopes.

Please note that this event is weather-dependent. In the event of a cancellation, we will provide updates on our website and social media. We can’t wait to share the wonders of the night sky with you!

Have more questions about skywatching? Visit our FAQs page!

Skywatching FAQs

Yoga Under The Stars
2026-02-25 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-06 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-13 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-20 18:00 - 19:00

Art in Bloom Community Experience
2026-02-27 14:30 - 2026-03-01 18:00 | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
Interpreting the zodiac element of fire

Friday, February 27 – Sunday, March 1

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is thrilled to help kick off the North Carolina Museum of Art’s (NCMA) annual Art in Bloom, presented by PNC Bank, as a 2026 Community Activation Partner! In the spirit of the NCMA’s commitment to Art for All, visitors can experience a stunning outdoor floral installation at Morehead from February 27 through March 1. Designed by Durham floral artist Adama Jay‑Harrison and her team at Lavish Leaf, the installation interprets the zodiac element of fire, creating a striking fusion of artistic imagination and science-inspired storytelling. This large-scale creation will frame Morehead’s Main Entrance, offering a vibrant and welcoming start to Art in Bloom festivities across the Triangle.

To complement the installation, Morehead educators will present special fire-themed demonstrations on the Science Stage throughout the day on Saturday, February 28. Guests can explore how fire works as a chemical reaction that releases energy as heat and light, and watch a classic “flame test” experiment that reveals how different elements produce different colors.

Community Experience Schedule

Friday, February 27: Floral installation opens

Saturday, February 28: Fire-themed science demonstrations

Sunday, March 1: Floral installation closes

Looking for other ways to engage with Morehead and NCMA?

On Saturday, March 14, we’ll join the NCMA and Raleigh Astronomy Club in the Museum Park for a free, family-friendly evening of skywatching. Learn more about the skywatching session.

Science for All Youth Summit
2026-03-07 09:00 - 12:30 | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
Explore STEM in new and exciting ways!

Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 9 AM – 12:30 PM

Registration closes on March 1

Join us for a fun-filled day of STEM exploration! Designed for students in grades 4–7 from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, the Science for All Youth Summit offers hands-on activities led by college students from UNC‑Chapel Hill, NC State, and Duke. Past favorites include microscope discoveries, lemon-powered circuits, and biomechanics challenges.

Registration includes lunch, swag, and an event t‑shirt.

Thanks to the generous support of Gilead Sciences, this program remains accessible for families.

Come experiment, create, and discover something new!

Register for the Youth Summit today! Registration is open until March 1.

Learn more about the Youth Summit

Saturday Science Sparks — The Science of Attention: Juggling 101
2026-03-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
Via Instagram, @juggling.club.unc

The Science of Attention: Juggling 101

Too many balls in the air? Join the Juggling Club of Carolina and the Educating for the Virtues of Attention initiative as they demonstrate the math, physics, focus, and fun behind juggling. On top of helping us keep our eyes (and minds) on the ball, this Saturday Science Sparks session offers a hands-on, in-motion opportunity for the whole family! Only at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.

Schedule

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Located in the Ivan R. King Gateway Gallery

Please note: there will be a midday break as the club members juggle their schedules.

MORE is happening at Morehead this year

New for 2026, Saturday Science Sparks offers Morehead guests a closer encounter with current science. Covering topics like astronomy, the physics of juggling, and computer science, this program collaborates with community partners and academic clubs, bringing you up-close experiences in the exciting world of STEAM. Saturday Science Sparks is open to the public and included in admission.

Skywatching: Art in Bloom Skygazing Community Day
2026-03-14 19:30 - 21:30 | North Carolina Museum of Art — Museum Park, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27607
Interpreting the zodiac element of air

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is excited to serve as a Community Activation Partner for Art in Bloom, an annual experience by the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA). In harmony with this year’s zodiac theme, we’re highlighting the element of air with a free evening of skywatching in the NCMA Museum Park.

On Saturday, March 14, join us for guided stargazing led by Morehead educators, constellation‑inspired activities, and an outdoor floral installation crafted by Raleigh’s Bloom Works. This special night brings together art and astronomy for a beautiful, family‑friendly experience under the open sky. Complimentary Art in Bloom giveaways will be offered while supplies last. The floral installation will remain on view through March 18.

Online registration opens March 1 on the NCMA website. We look forward to celebrating the cosmos with you!

Learn more

Before You Go: Helpful Tips & Important Details

To make the most of your evening under the stars, we suggest bringing a cozy blanket or some chairs. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home, even if they’re on a leash. The combination of darkness, crowds, expensive telescopes, and pets isn’t ideal, and pets won’t be allowed near the telescopes.

Please note that this event is weather-dependent. In the event of a cancellation, we will provide updates on our website and social media. We can’t wait to share the wonders of the night sky with you!

Have more questions about skywatching? Visit our FAQs page!

Skywatching FAQs

Skywatching at Little River Regional Park
2026-03-20 20:00 - 22:00 | Little River Regional Park, 301 Little River Park Way, Rougemont, North Carolina, 27572, United States
Celebrate the first day of spring with awe-inspiring views of the sky! On Friday, March 20, hang out under the stars with Morehead educators and volunteers from Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS). In this free skywatching session, you can catch Jupiter via telescope or binoculars!

To make the most of your night, we suggest bringing along a cozy blanket or some chairs and your favorite snacks for a relaxing time. You are welcome to arrive and leave at any time during the program.

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please leave your pets at home, even if they’re on a leash. The combination of darkness, crowds, expensive telescopes, and pets isn’t ideal, and pets won’t be allowed near the telescopes.

Please note that this event is weather-dependent. In the event of a cancellation, we will provide updates on our website and social media. We can’t wait to share the wonders of the night sky with you!

Have more questions about skywatching? Visit our FAQs page!

Skywatching FAQs

Artemis II Viewing Event
2026-04-01 18:00 - 20:30 | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
(Photo credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

To the Moon with NASA’s Artemis II

Astronauts are preparing to return to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years! As part of the Artemis II mission, crewmembers Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, Jeremy Hansen, and North Carolina-raised Christina Koch are set to embark on a 10-day journey around the Moon with a target launch date of April 1, 2026.

To celebrate, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will host a special Artemis II launch viewing event before Starry Nights: Spring Skies, our special planetarium show for teen and adult learners. Exclusive to Starry Nights ticketholders, this special event is available at no additional charge and is subject to change due to weather and safety at the launch site.

Get Starry Nights tickets

Know Before You Go

NASA may postpone the Artemis II launch due to adverse weather conditions and safety concerns, which could result in the cancellation of the Morehead viewing event. The launch window opens on April 1, 2026, at 6:24 p.m. EDT, at which the launch can occur anytime within the next two hours. Learn more about NASA’s April mission availability.

In the event that the launch overlaps with the start of Starry Nights: Spring Skies (scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. on April 1, 2026), we will finish cheering on the Artemis II before heading to the fulldome theater for the planetarium show.

The Artemis II viewing event at Morehead Planetarium is subject to change based on updates to the official launch schedule. In the event of a postponed launch, Starry Nights: Spring Skies will proceed as scheduled at 7 p.m.

Enjoy this video of Artemis II’s Christina Koch from Morehead’s 75th anniversary (2024).

Saturday Science Sparks: Migration
2026-05-02 10:00 - 15:00 | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
Credit: The Avian Society at UNC-Chapel Hill

The Science of Migration

Calling All Bird Brains: Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at Morehead

In this Saturday Science Sparks session, explore the wonders of winged migration through the tools of a bird researcher! With the help of UNC’s Sockman Lab, the UNC Avian Society, and the New Hope Bird Alliance, you’ll get the chance to help the scientists uncover how the Earth’s seasons impact a bird’s journey, discover the diverse bird species of North Carolina, and talk with Gloria Gao ’27, Founder of the Avian Society, as you engage in hands-on activities and learn how to become a community scientist for the benefit of birds (and people!).

Included with paid admission and located in the Launch Lab.

Schedule

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Please note: there will be a midday break.

MORE is happening at Morehead this year

New for 2026, Saturday Science Sparks offers Morehead guests a closer encounter with current science. Covering topics like astronomy, the physics of juggling, and computer science, this program collaborates with community partners and academic clubs, bringing you up-close experiences in the exciting world of STEAM. Saturday Science Sparks is open to the public and included in admission.

Credit: New Hope Bird Alliance

Skywatching: Views from The Durham
2026-05-19 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-06-09 21:00 - 23:00 | The Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St, Durham, North Carolina, 27701, United States
Join us on the Roof of The Durham Hotel for a free night of skywatching!

Science for All: A Sensory-Friendly Science Night
2026-06-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
Experience the wonders of science in a sensory-friendly environment! These special events feature interactive activities, engaging fulldome theater shows, captivating exhibits, and dynamic science performances. With changes made to fit various sensory sensitivities, Sensory-Friendly Science Nights are perfect for all ages and offer a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy science.
