BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Morehead Planetarium and Science Center - ECPv6.13.2.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Morehead Planetarium and Science Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T150000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014450 CREATED:20260423T232512Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T151358Z UID:39134-1777716000-1777734000@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Saturday Science Sparks: Migration DESCRIPTION:Credit: The Avian Society at UNC-Chapel Hill\n\n\n\n\nThe Science of Migration\n\n\n\nCalling All Bird Brains: Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at Morehead\n\n\n\nIn 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!). \n\n\n\nIncluded with paid admission and located in the Launch Lab. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSchedule\n\n\n\n\n10:00 am to 12:00 pm\n\n\n\n1:00 pm to 3:00 pm\n\n\n\n\nPlease note: there will be a midday break. \n\n\n\nMORE is happening at Morehead this year\n\n\n\nNew 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. \n\n\n\n\n\nCredit: New Hope Bird Alliance URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/saturday-science-sparks-migration/ LOCATION:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center\, 250 E Franklin St\, Chapel Hill\, North Carolina\, 27516\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nick-fewings-J54DjpXYJuE-unsplash-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T160000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014450 CREATED:20260303T221901Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T222812Z UID:38806-1775905200-1775923200@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:UNC Science Expo DESCRIPTION:Join us for one of the biggest science celebrations in the state!\n\n\n\nEvery year\, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center hosts a day of science learning and fun for our community in partnership with UNC-Chapel Hill faculty\, students\, and staff. \n\n\n\nThe UNC Science Expo is a signature event of the annual North Carolina Science Festival and one of the biggest celebrations of science in the state. More than 100 booths staffed by UNC-Chapel Hill students\, researchers\, practitioners\, and community volunteers fill the quads surrounding Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. From hands-on activities and games to science demonstrations and behind-the-scenes lab tours\, the UNC Science Expo makes learning about science fun and engaging for people of all ages. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpot\, an agile mobile robot from Boston Dynamics\, wows the crowd at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center as part of the UNC Science Expo on Saturday\, April 6\, 2024. \n\n\n\n\nLearn More About the UNC Science Expo\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUNC Science Expo Parking\n\n\n\nIf you are attending the UNC Science Expo and plan to drive\, please allow extra time for parking due to limited options caused by the Expo and other events in Chapel Hill. Please note that the parking lot in front of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center (250 E Franklin Street) will be closed on April 11. \n\n\n\nFor campus parking options\, please visit maps.unc.edu/parking/. Parking is also available in town lots and on the street\, but public parking fees may apply. For more information about Town of Chapel Hill parking options\, visit parkonthehill.com. \n\n\n\nAccessible parking will be available on a first-come\, first-served basis in the Old East lot\, located on E Cameron Ave between the New East and Old East buildings. A drop-off zone will be available at the Morehead lot throughout the event. URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/unc-science-expo-5/ LOCATION:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center\, 250 E Franklin St\, Chapel Hill\, North Carolina\, 27516\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Activities ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ExpoLogo_FullColor_NavyText.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014450 CREATED:20260309T145008Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T183124Z UID:38827-1775584800-1775588400@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe: Science Under Pressure DESCRIPTION:(Megan Mendenhall / Office of Research Communications)\n\n\n\n\nScience Under Pressure: What’s at Stake for Research at Carolina\n\n\n\nUNC-Chapel Hill generates over $1 billion in research annually with discoveries that shape medicine\, technology\, and public health across North Carolina and beyond. However\, the federal landscape that funds this work is shifting fast. Join UNC’s Vice Chancellor for Research\, Dr. Penny Gordon-Larsen\, for an inside look at what Carolina scientists are building\, what’s at stake in Washington\, and why it matters to all of us. \n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, Carolina Science Cafe is a free program that explores science topics making national and international headlines\, offering the chance to meet the experts behind the work. This special program is hosted at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on the first Tuesday of every month. Light appetizers are available for all attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nPenny Gordon-Larsen\, PhD\, Vice Chancellor for Research and William R. Kenan\, Jr. Distinguished Professor in Nutrition \n\n\n\n\n\n(Megan Mendenhall / Office of Research Communications)\n\n\n\n\nAs vice chancellor for research\, Gordon-Larsen develops\, sets strategic direction\, and provides support for UNC’s $1.5 billion research enterprise. She is responsible for research infrastructure\, operations\, and regulatory compliance\, research development\, translation\, and communications\, as well as strategic research partnerships. In addition\, she oversees 13 pan-campus\, interdisciplinary research centers and institutes. She works across campus with the University’s research deans\, center/ institute directors\, and key institutional leaders to strategically advance Carolina’s research enterprise. She is an obesity researcher and has served as principal investigator on research projects totaling over $23.6 million and has served as a co-investigator on an additional $49.1M interdisciplinary research team projects with collaborators. Her NIH-funded research portfolio ranges from molecular and genetic to environmental and societal-level factors that influence health and obesity and its cardiometabolic consequences.  \n\n\n\nGordon-Larsen served as president of The Obesity Society in 2015 and a member of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Advisory Council from 2020 to 2023. She also served on the 2020–2030 Strategic Plan for NIH Nutrition Research Thought Leaders Panel\, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Strategic Plan Working Group\, and the NIH Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Integration Working Group. She is on the Executive Committees for Research of the Association of American Universities and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and is currently serving on the Joint Associations Group (JAG) on Indirect Costs\, a coalition of national organizations representing academic\, medical\, and independent research institutions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore about UNC Research\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-science-under-pressure/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carolina-Science-Cafe-1920x842-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T203000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014450 CREATED:20260326T191042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T211210Z UID:39008-1775066400-1775075400@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Artemis II Viewing Event DESCRIPTION:(Photo credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky) \n\n\n\n\nTo the Moon with NASA’s Artemis II\n\n\n\nAstronauts 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. \n\n\n\nTo 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. \n\n\n\n\nGet Starry Nights tickets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKnow Before You Go\n\n\n\n\nNASA 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.\n\n\n\nIn 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.\n\n\n\nThe 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEnjoy this video of Artemis II’s Christina Koch from Morehead’s 75th anniversary (2024). URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/artemis-ii/ LOCATION:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center\, 250 E Franklin St\, Chapel Hill\, North Carolina\, 27516\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Programs,Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NHQ202601170091large.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T213000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014450 CREATED:20260225T161401Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T161402Z UID:38766-1773516600-1773523800@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Skywatching: Art in Bloom Skygazing Community Day DESCRIPTION:Interpreting the zodiac element of air\n\n\n\nMorehead 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. \n\n\n\nOn 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnline registration opens March 1 on the NCMA website. We look forward to celebrating the cosmos with you! \n\n\n\n\nLearn more\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore You Go: Helpful Tips & Important Details\n\n\n\nTo 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. \n\n\n\nPlease 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! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHave more questions about skywatching? Visit our FAQs page! \n\n\n\n\nSkywatching FAQs URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/skywatching-art-in-bloom-skygazing-community-day/ LOCATION:North Carolina Museum of Art — Museum Park\, 2110 Blue Ridge Road\, Raleigh\, North Carolina\, 27607 CATEGORIES:Special Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_2263.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="North Carolina Museum of Art":MAILTO:help@ncartmuseum.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T160000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014450 CREATED:20260223T183742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T183945Z UID:38724-1772877600-1772899200@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Saturday Science Sparks — The Science of Attention: Juggling 101 DESCRIPTION:Via Instagram\, @juggling.club.unc\n\n\n\n\nThe Science of Attention: Juggling 101\n\n\n\nToo 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. \n\n\n\nSchedule\n\n\n\n\n10:00 am to 12:00 pm\n\n\n\n2:30 pm to 4:00 pm\n\n\n\n\nLocated in the Ivan R. King Gateway Gallery \n\n\n\nPlease note: there will be a midday break as the club members juggle their schedules. \n\n\n\n\n\nMORE is happening at Morehead this year\n\n\n\nNew 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. URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/saturday-science-sparks-science-of-attention/ LOCATION:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center\, 250 E Franklin St\, Chapel Hill\, North Carolina\, 27516\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-23-at-1.23.12-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260303T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260303T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014450 CREATED:20260127T171748Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T161849Z UID:38436-1772560800-1772564400@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe: Songbirds DESCRIPTION:Access to mates biased by parental favoritism in songbirds \n\n\n\nIn songbirds\, the morphology of the vocal tract predicts song performance\, and song performance affects access to mates. This\, in turn\, raises the question as to what causes this vocal-tract morphological variation. In March’s Carolina Science Cafe\, Dr. Keith Sockman will discuss the recent analyses from his laboratory’s 20-year dataset on wild\, free-ranging Lincoln’s sparrows at their montane field site in Colorado\, which have revealed developmental constraints on the vocal tract\, driven in part by parental favoritism toward some nestlings over their sibling nestmates. \n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, Carolina Science Cafe is a free program that explores science topics making national and international headlines\, offering the chance to meet the experts behind the work. This special program is hosted at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on the first Tuesday of every month. Light appetizers are available for all attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nDr. Keith Sockman earned a PhD in Zoology in 2000 at Washington State University\, studying reproductive flexibility in American kestrels. His postdoctoral work at The Johns Hopkins University focused on the neurobiology of mate choice and reproductive timing in songbirds. His initial appointment in the Department of Biology at UNC Chapel Hill was in 2004\, at which point he started a long-term study on the behavioral ecology and reproductive decisions of wild songbirds. He enjoys cycling\, camping\, and spending time with his two teenagers. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSee Dr. Sockman’s work\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-march26/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carolina-Science-Cafe-1920x842-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260301T180000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014450 CREATED:20260223T201115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T222540Z UID:38740-1772202600-1772388000@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Art in Bloom Community Experience DESCRIPTION:Interpreting the zodiac element of fire\n\n\n\nFriday\, February 27 – Sunday\, March 1\n\n\n\nMorehead 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. \n\n\n\nTo 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommunity Experience Schedule\n\n\n\n\nFriday\, February 27: Floral installation opens\n\n\n\nSaturday\, February 28: Fire-themed science demonstrations\n\n\n\nSunday\, March 1: Floral installation closes\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n Looking for other ways to engage with Morehead and NCMA? \n \n 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. URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/art-in-bloom-community-experience/ LOCATION:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center\, 250 E Franklin St\, Chapel Hill\, North Carolina\, 27516\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Activities,Special Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/HuthPhoto-CAHF2025-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="North Carolina Museum of Art":MAILTO:help@ncartmuseum.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260214T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260214T150000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014450 CREATED:20260116T153534Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T154543Z UID:38359-1771066800-1771081200@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Saturday Science Sparks: The Science of Puppy Love DESCRIPTION:(Megan Mendenhall / Office of Research Communications)\n\n\n\n\nCan humans love robotic dogs?\n\n\n\nThis Valentine’s Day\, experience puppy love with Spot\, UNC-Chapel Hill’s very own robot dog! Take the reigns and bring this computerized canine to “life\,” while discovering the inner workings of how it moves and “thinks.” With the help of UNC’s Experimental Engineering Lab (EEL) and the Interactive Robotics and Novel Technologies (IRON) Lab\, you’ll be able to explore how scientists and engineers craft robots to engage with the world. Join us as these incredible labs share their work\, answer your burning questions\, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at life as a scientist! \n\n\n\nLocated in the Ivan R. King Gateway Gallery. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMORE is happening at Morehead this year\n\n\n\nNew 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. Mark your calendars for the second Saturday of each month! \n\n\n\n\nLearn more about Saturday Science Sparks URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/saturday-science-sparks-the-science-of-puppy-love/ LOCATION:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center\, 250 E Franklin St\, Chapel Hill\, North Carolina\, 27516\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/04062024_unc_science_expo_0128-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260203T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260203T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014450 CREATED:20260106T203049Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T204835Z UID:38187-1770141600-1770145200@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe: The Big Bang DESCRIPTION:Reaching back to the Big Bang from one of the highest places on Earth\n\n\n\nScientists are pushing to the most extreme observing sites in the world to study the universe’s most ancient light. New telescopes and cameras harness cryogenic cooling power to deploy pixels chilled to near absolute zero to study the remnants of the Big Bang. During February’s Carolina Science Cafe\, Dr. Eve Vavagiakis will introduce the cosmic microwave background and shine some light on how we use the universe as a laboratory for fundamental physics. In addition\, she will discuss exciting new telescopes and what it’s like to deploy cutting-edge technologies on ancient stratovolcanoes in the Chilean Atacama Desert. \n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, Carolina Science Cafe is a free program that explores science topics making national and international headlines\, offering the chance to meet the experts behind the work. This special program is hosted at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on the first Tuesday of every month. Light appetizers are available for all attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nDr. Eve Vavagiakis (she/her) is an Assistant Professor at Duke University and a previous postdoctoral fellow at Cornell University. In her spare time\, she enjoys anything active and outdoors\, especially climbing mountains\, even when there aren’t telescopes on top. \n\n\n\n\nSee the speaker’s work\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-the-big-bang/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carolina-Science-Cafe-1920x842-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260130T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260130T193000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014450 CREATED:20250825T184110Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T201225Z UID:36745-1769796000-1769801400@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Teen Science Cafe: Food & Microbiomes DESCRIPTION:Food & Microbiomes with Dr. Erin McKenney\n\n\n\nPlease join us at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for January’s Teen Science Cafe! This month\, we welcome Dr. Erin McKenney\, who will be sharing her work on food and gut microbiomes in both animals and humans.  \n\n\n\n\n\nOpen to teens ages 13-18\, our monthly cafes include exciting activities\, engaging talks from expert speakers\, and even free food! Plus\, we cover a variety of different topics\, ranging from cell biology to deep space galaxies\, making it a one-of-a-kind spot for high school students to explore new ideas\, interact with each other\, and have fun!Doors will open at 6:00 pm for pizza and conversation. The cafe will start at 6:30 pm and wrap up around 7:30 pm. \n\n\n\n\nLearn more about Teen Science Cafe\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Dr. McKenney\n\n\n\nDr. Erin McKenney is an assistant professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs at North Carolina State University. She studies how microbial communities form over time and how they adapt to their environments. Her research incorporates microbial ecology\, nutrition\, and comparative gut morphology to learn how gut microbes affect health – and how humans can leverage or upset that balance. For over a decade\, Dr. McKenney has investigated evolutionary adaptation across different scales and species\, between non-human primates and carnivores and their gut microbes. More recently\, she has expanded her research to sourdough and other fermented foods that can be studied without laboratory equipment\, using citizen science research to empower students of all ages and all over the world. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule\n\n\n\n6:00 pm: Arrive and check in. We will gather inside the west\, main entrance of Morehead. \n\n\n\n6:00 – 6:30 pm: Pizza social. The pizza social will take place in our classrooms\, located on the 2nd floor. \n\n\n\n6:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Discussion & activities. Trivia will take place in the Science Stage. \n\n\n\nPlease Note: Depending on scheduled activities\, the program may end between 7:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/teen-science-cafe-food-microbiome/ LOCATION:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center\, 250 E Franklin St\, Chapel Hill\, North Carolina\, 27516\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FB_TSC.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260106T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260106T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014450 CREATED:20251215T163011Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T205623Z UID:37990-1767722400-1767726000@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe: Are We Alone? DESCRIPTION:Are We Alone? Thoughts on the Fermi Paradox\n\n\n\nDoes the Cosmos teem with intelligence\, or are we alone? This existential issue eats at our souls. In this talk\, Dr. Brand Fortner will share how we use the Fermi Paradox\, the Drake equation\, the Rare Earth hypothesis\, the Weak Anthropic principle\, the Doomsday calculation\, and the Great Filter to answer this most important of all questions. \n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, Carolina Science Cafe is a free program that explores science topics making national and international headlines\, offering the chance to meet the experts behind the work. This special program is hosted at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on the first Tuesday of every month. Light appetizers are available for all attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nBrand Fortner is a teaching professor at North Carolina State University\, where he teaches astronomy\, astrophysics\, and physics\, and is an adjunct professor of physics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Previously holding positions at NASA and Johns Hopkins University\, Brand earned a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in high-energy astrophysics and founded two scientific software companies. Additionally\, he has written books on color vision and technical data and is in high demand for his public lectures on all things astronomical. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-are-we-alone/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carolina-Science-Cafe-1920x842-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251219T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251219T193000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20250825T183322Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T145109Z UID:36741-1766167200-1766172600@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Teen Science Cafe: Neuronal Resilience DESCRIPTION:Neuronal Resilience with Dr. Mohanish Deshmukh\n\n\n\nPlease join us at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for December’s Teen Science Cafe! This month\, we welcome Dr. Mohanish Deshmukh\, Ph.D\, who will be sharing his work on how different types of cells control apoptosis (regulated cell death) and how this relates to the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. \n\n\n\n\n\nOpen to teens ages 13-18\, our monthly cafes include exciting activities\, engaging talks from expert speakers\, and even free food! Plus\, we cover a variety of different topics\, ranging from cell biology to deep space galaxies\, making it a one-of-a-kind spot for high school students to explore new ideas\, interact with each other\, and have fun!Doors will open at 6:00 pm for pizza and conversation. The cafe will start at 6:30 pm and wrap up around 7:30 pm. \n\n\n\n\nLearn more about Teen Science Cafe\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Dr. Deshmukh\n\n\n\nMohanish Deshmukh\, Ph.D. is a William R. Kenan\, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Cell Biology & Physiology and the Neuroscience Center at the University of North Carolina\, Chapel Hill. Mohanish received his PhD from Carnegie Mellon University\, conducted his postdoctoral research at Washington University and joined UNC as an Assistant Professor in 2000. \n\n\n\nMohanish’s lab studies the programmed mechanisms by which neurons survive and die. His lab also focuses on understanding neurodevelopmental disorders as well as developing therapeutic strategies for preventing neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. \n\n\n\nMohanish received the Burroughs-Wellcome New Investigator Award in 2001. At UNC\, Mohanish was recognized with the Teaching Excellence Award (2004) and the Mentor of the Year Award (2012). He is currently the Co-Director of the UNC MD/PhD program. His lab’s research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule \n\n\n\n6:00 pm: Arrive and check in. We will gather inside the west\, main entrance of Morehead. \n\n\n\n6:00 – 6:30 pm: Pizza social. The pizza social will take place in our classrooms\, located on the 2nd floor. \n\n\n\n6:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Discussion & activities. Trivia will take place in the Science Stage. \n\n\n\nPlease Note: Depending on scheduled activities\, the program may end between 7:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/teen-science-cafe-neuropathology/ LOCATION:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center\, 250 E Franklin St\, Chapel Hill\, North Carolina\, 27516\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FB_TSC.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251202T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251202T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20251021T150418Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T150546Z UID:37369-1764698400-1764702000@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe: What’s Going on with U.S. Childbearing? DESCRIPTION:What’s Going on with U.S. Childbearing? And Should We Be Worried?\n\n\n\nAs birth rates in the U.S. and elsewhere have declined since the Great Recession\, there has been considerable concern among pundits and policy makers over the causes and consequences of low fertility. This concern has prompted a range of efforts to raise U.S. birth rates. In this talk\, Dr. Karen Benjamin Guzzo will give an overview of childbearing trends in the U.S.\, discuss why people are delaying or limiting childbearing\, and provide insights into the demographic\, economic\, and policy impacts of low birth rates. She will round out her talk by highlighting the current policies and efforts to raise birth rates in the U.S. and what they will – and will not – achieve. \n\n\n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, Carolina Science Cafe is a free program that explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the work. This special program is hosted at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on the first Tuesday of every month. Light appetizers are available for all attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nDr. Karen Benjamin Guzzo is a family demographer and sociologist\, and she serves as Director of the Carolina Population Center. She is also a Professor of Sociology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Guzzo’s research has been funded by multiple grants from the NICHD Population Dynamics Branch (PDB)\, the Office of Planning\, Research\, and Evaluation (OPRE) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). \n\n\n\nDr. Benjamin Guzzo’s research has been covered in the Wall Street Journal\, The New York Times\, and Newsweek\, and she frequently appears as an expert on U.S. childbearing behaviors and decision-making in national media outlets. She is a member of the Population Association of America’s Board of Directors and chair of the American Sociological Association’s (ASA) Sociology of Population section. She has served as a Deputy Editor for Demography since 2017 and serves on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Marriage and Family\, Family Transitions\, and Journal of Family Theory and Review. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nView Dr. Guzzo’s Work\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-us-childbearing/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carolina-Science-Cafe-1920x842-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251104T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251104T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20251010T155544Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251010T160438Z UID:37293-1762279200-1762282800@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe: Balancing Act DESCRIPTION:Balancing Act: The Science of Pain\, Fatigue\, and Falls in Aging\n\n\n\nNow is the time for innovation in our efforts to engineer solutions to help people age gracefully – from preserving independence and enhancing community accessibility to preventing falls. In this talk\, Dr. Jason Franz\, a professor of biomedical engineering\, will summarize the latest in the UNC Applied Biomechanics Laboratory’s use of principles from neural control\, biomechanics\, wearable sensing\, and rehabilitation robotics to solve one of our society’s grand challenges. \n\n\n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, Carolina Science Cafe is a free program that explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the work. This special program is hosted at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on the first Tuesday of every month. Light appetizers are available for all attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nDr. Jason Franz (he/him) received his B.S. (2004) and M.S. (2006) degrees in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech and\, after serving as a staff scientist in PM&R at the University of Virginia\, received his Ph.D. (2012) in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado\, Boulder. He then completed an NIH Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2015\, Dr. Franz joined the Lampe Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University and is now a Full Professor and Director of the UNC Applied Biomechanics Laboratory. \n\n\n\nDr. Franz’s research takes a mechanisms-based approach in rehabilitation engineering to develop solutions to help people age gracefully. He is the author of over 150 publications and currently serves as Principal Investigator on multiple NIH-funded research projects\, all predominantly focused on rehabilitation engineering strategies to mitigate age- and disease-related mobility impairment and falls risk. He also serves as Faculty Director for Postdoctoral Success\, where he supports the success\, recruitment\, and workforce development of postdoctoral trainees across the UNC School of Medicine. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nView Dr. Franz’s Work\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-balancing-act/ CATEGORIES:Special Programs,Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Banners_1424X900px_RandD-_Lifestyle_UNC_Logo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251007T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251007T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20250923T173326Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T140317Z UID:37009-1759860000-1759863600@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe: Stellar Evolution\, Interrupted DESCRIPTION:Stellar Evolution\, Interrupted\n\n\n\n\n\n(Credit: Stocktrek Images/Getty Images)\n\n\n\n\nOpen up any introductory astronomy textbook\, and you can read about how stars like the Sun evolve from one stage of stellar evolution to the next. However\, these textbook descriptions often overlook one important fact: most stars are in binary systems with other stellar or substellar companions\, and their presence can greatly impact how the story of stellar evolution plays out. \n\n\n\nIn October’s Carolina Science Cafe\, Dr. Brad Barlow\, an Associate Professor of Physics & Astronomy at UNC-Chapel Hill\, will discuss how his research group uses data from ground- and space-based observatories to discover and characterize special types of stars called hot subdwarfs that are the products of binary interactions. The broader impacts of this work touch on gravitational wave physics\, Type Ia supernovae\, the impact of late-stage stellar evolution on exoplanets\, and more. \n\n\n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, Carolina Science Cafe explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the work. This special program is hosted at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on the first Tuesday of every month. Light appetizers are available for all attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nDr. Brad Barlow (he/him) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before that\, he spent 11 years working as an Associate Professor of Astrophysics and Director of the Culp Planetarium at High Point University. Dr. Barlow received a B.S. in physics from Mississippi State University in 2006\, a Ph.D. in physics (astronomy concentration) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2011\, and he was a postdoctoral researcher at the Pennsylvania State University from 2011-2013. \n\n\n\nHis research primarily focuses on pulsating stars\, late stellar evolution\, and binary star systems. While at UNC-Chapel Hill\, he helped develop software for the Goodman spectrograph on the 4.1-m SOAR telescope on Cerro Pachon in Chile. Originally from Biloxi\, Mississippi\, Brad did his undergraduate studies at Mississippi State University. His other interests include playing the piano\, writing music\, cycling\, and public outreach. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nView Dr. Barlow’s Work\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-stellar-evolution-interrupted/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1200-169-GettyImages-112716994.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250902T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250902T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20250725T185807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T150338Z UID:36337-1756836000-1756839600@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe | Floods\, Forecasts\, and the Future DESCRIPTION:Floods\, Forecasts\, and the Future: Rethinking Risk in a Changing Climate\n\n\n\n\n\nModel results for Hurricane Florence (2018) flooding across eastern North Carolina.\n\n\n\n\nFlooding is one of the most costly and frequent natural hazards in the United States\, and its impacts are growing due to climate change\, urban development\, and aging infrastructure. In this talk\, Dr. Antonia Sebastian will explore how science\, data\, and community knowledge come together to help us better understand—and adapt to—evolving flood risks. \n\n\n\nDrawing on her research in North Carolina and beyond\, Dr. Sebastian will share how new models and data are being used to uncover patterns of exposure\, assess who is most vulnerable\, and inform smarter\, more equitable approaches to resilience. She will also discuss how local stories of adaptation\, from rural coastal towns to urban neighborhoods\, offer powerful insights into what it means to live with water in a warming world. Delving into common questions like “Is it really flooding more often?” and “What is the 100-year flood?”\, Dr. Sebastian will speak about what we know about floods and what drives them to help make sense of the changing risks we face and how we can prepare for a wetter\, more uncertain future. \n\n\n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, Carolina Science Cafe explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the work. This special program is hosted at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on the first Tuesday of every month. Light appetizers are available for all attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nDr. Antonia Sebastian is a flood scientist who studies how people and places are affected by extreme weather and what we can do to build a safer\, more resilient future. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill\, where she holds a joint appointment in the Department of Earth\, Marine and Environmental Sciences and the Environment\, Ecology and Energy Program (E3P). Dr. Sebastian’s research blends cutting-edge data and computer models to answer questions like: Who gets hit hardest when floods happen? Why are some communities able to bounce back faster than others? And how can we better prepare for the next big storm? \n\n\n\nPrior to joining the faculty at UNC\, Sebastian was an Associate Research Scientist at Texas A&M University at Galveston (2017-2019)\, where she helped to establish the Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT). She has also held positions as a postdoctoral researcher (2016-2017) and Netherlands-America Foundation (NAF)/Fulbright Flood Management Fellow (2014-2015) in the Department of Hydraulic Engineering at Delft University of Technology. Sebastian currently serves as a member of the Board of Deltares USA\, a Guest Editor for the journal of Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences\, and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) scientific committees on Climate Adaptation and Coastal Engineering Sciences. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nView Dr. Sebastian’s Work\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-floods-forecasts-and-the-future/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/HurricaneFlorence.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250805T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250805T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20250619T170205Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T190632Z UID:36273-1754416800-1754420400@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe | Filter Bubbles and Data Voids DESCRIPTION:Filter Bubbles and Data Voids: How Online Search Shapes What We See—and What We Don’t\n\n\n\nJoin us for the next installment of Carolina Science Cafe\, our current science awareness program! Co-hosted by Morehead\, UNC School of Data Science and Society\, and UNC School of Information and Library Science\, we will welcome Dr. Francesca Tripodi of UNC-Chapel Hill and the Data & Society Research Institute. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese days\, searching for information online is something we all do—whether we’re planning a trip\, checking a news story\, or trying to settle a debate at the dinner table. But the way we search\, and what we find\, is changing fast. In this talk\, we’ll take a closer look at how search works beneath the surface—and why that matters. We’ll explore how the words we choose when we search reflect our own viewpoints\, and how those words shape the answers we get back. We’ll also look at how websites like Wikipedia\, search engines\, and AI tools like ChatGPT are all connected—and how missing information in one place can ripple across the internet. One key idea we’ll dive into is “data voids”—gaps where little reliable information exists\, leaving room for people to spread misleading or manipulative content. By understanding these gaps and how they’re filled\, we can start to see how search shapes what we know\, what we miss\, and what we believe. \n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, Carolina Science Cafe explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the work. This special program is hosted at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on the first Tuesday of every month. Light appetizers are available for all attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nDr. Francesca Tripodi (she/her) is a sociologist and information scholar whose research examines the relationship between technology and society. She is an Associate Professor at the School of Information and Library Science and a Principal Investigator at the Center for Information Technology and Public Life (CITAP) at UNC-Chapel Hill\, and an affiliate researcher (former postdoctoral scholar) at Data & Society Research Institute. She has twice testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee (April 10\, 2019\, and July 16\, 2019) to explain how relevance is gamed to drive ideologically based queries and spread conspiratorial logic. \n\n\n\nIn addition to her research on search engines\, Dr. Tripodi’s work documents how race and gender impact perceived notability\, highlighting that cisgender women are nearly twice as likely to be considered non-notable subjects as their cis-male peers. Along with her Co-PIs at MIT and Stanford\, Dr. Tripodi received a National Science Foundation Accelerator Award in 2021 to study how people find information and build tools to enhance and enable search literacy. \n\n\n\nIn December 2023\, Dr. Tripodi was a featured guest on an episode of Meet the Press to discuss the dangers of online education tools like PragerU. Her work has also been highlighted on All Things Considered (NPR)\, the Financial Times\, and the Associated Press. She has also written about her work in Wired\, Slate\, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. In addition to these featured segments\, Dr. Tripodi’s research is regularly cited by esteemed publications like The Washington Post\, The New York Times\, TIME\, and The Guardian. In recognition of her impact\, Dr. Tripodi received the Award for Impact and Excellence in 2023 from the Center for the Informed Public at the University of Washington. \n\n\n\nFind Dr. Tripodi on Bluesky. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLearn More\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-filter-bubbles-and-data-voids/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sarah-b-evcG0YvLFoY-unsplash-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250701T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250701T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20250604T170827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T125426Z UID:36174-1751392800-1751396400@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe | Chasing Awe DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next installment of the Carolina Science Cafe\, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s free\, current science awareness program. For the July cafe\, we will welcome Dr. Sheila Kannappan\, a professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at UNC-Chapel Hill. \n\n\n\nAfter chasing last year’s total solar eclipse to Texas\, Kannappan decided to make 2024 the perfect Year of Awe by chasing the Northern Lights for two months in Minnesota in the fall. With solar activity at an 11-year maximum\, she was lucky to see the aurora at least five times\, depending on how you count. In this talk\, Kannappan will share a taste of the wonders she witnessed and what she learned about how to maximize aurora chasing success. \n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, this program explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the work. The Carolina Science Cafe is hosted at Haw River Tab & Table in Carrboro on the first Tuesday of every month. Light appetizers are available for all attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nSheila Kannappan has been on the faculty of the Physics & Astronomy Department at UNC-Chapel Hill since 2007. A recurring theme of her research is finding evidence that dwarf galaxies have much more exciting lives than previously thought: these supposedly boring galaxies turn out to be subject to overwhelming gas inflows from the cosmos\, which fuel both exponential growth via star formation and unexpectedly widespread activity in massive black holes. \n\n\n\nIn 2024\, Dr. Kannappan retired from teaching and began pursuing travel\, writing\, and public speaking related to sharing astronomical awe. She is no stranger to learning on the fly\, having taught astronomy for 17 years with degrees only in physics (BA and PhD) and in the history of science (MA)\, all from Harvard. \n\n\n\nHer commitment to education and public outreach in North Carolina began before graduate school\, when she spent two years as a 9th-grade teacher in Rocky Mount through Teach for America. That experience fueled a lifelong passion for educational equity and inspiring young people. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nLearn More\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-chasing-awe/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PXL_20241008_052426061.NIGHT_.RAW-01.COVER_-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250603T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250603T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20250409T124229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T202411Z UID:35817-1748973600-1748977200@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe | Primate Survival DESCRIPTION:Growing up wild: The challenge of survival for young primates\n\n\n\nJoin us for our next installment of the Carolina Science Cafe\, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s free\, current science awareness program. For the August cafe\, we will welcome Dr. Susan Alberts\, the Robert F. Durden Professor of Biology and Evolutionary Anthropology at Duke University. \n\n\n\n\n\nMany animals are ready to take on the world as soon as they hatch or are born – they can feed themselves\, move where they need to go\, and defend themselves against predators. Primates – including lemurs\, monkeys\, apes\, and humans – are not like this. They are not only born helpless\, but they also develop very slowly\, often requiring years to achieve full independence. In this presentation\, we’ll talk about the survival gauntlet that young primates face in reaching adulthood\, and we’ll hear some vivid examples of how their lives depend on the help of others\, including mothers\, other family members\, age mates\, and more distant adults. To tell these stories\, Prof. Alberts will draw on her 40 years of experience studying the wild baboons of the Amboseli basin in southern Kenya. \n\n\n\nResearch in the Alberts Lab investigates the evolution of social behavior\, particularly in mammals\, with a specific focus on the social behavior\, demography\, life history\, and behavioral endocrinology of wild primates. Their main study system is the baboon population in Amboseli\, Kenya\, one of the longest-running studies of wild primates in the world\, ongoing since 1971. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, this program explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the headlines. The Carolina Science Cafe is hosted at Haw River Tab & Table in Carrboro on Tuesday\, June 3rd\, starting at 6:00 p.m. with light appetizers available for all attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nSusan Alberts is Dean of Natural Sciences in Trinity College of Arts & Science at Duke University\, and The Robert F. Durden Distinguished Professor of Biology and Evolutionary Anthropology. She studies the behavior\, ecology\, physiology\, and genetics of wild populations of large mammals\, using longitudinal\, individual-based data. She has spent 40 years studying wild baboons in Kenya\, and she also studied the socioecology of African elephants for 10 years. She received her B.A. from Reed College\, her Ph.D. from University of Chicago\, and pursued postdoctoral research at the Harvard University Society of Fellows. She has been on the faculty at Duke University since 1998\, supervising undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral researchers. She spends several months each year at her field site in Kenya\, and has two children\, Michele aged 27 and Teresa aged 21. She is a member of National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. \n\n\n\n\nLearn More!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-primate-survival/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carolina-Science-Cafe-1920x842-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250506T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250506T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20240702T154443Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T123243Z UID:33842-1746554400-1746558000@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe | Headline News: Critical Minerals DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next installment of the Carolina Science Cafe\, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s free\, current science awareness program. For the May cafe\, we will welcome Amy Pitts\, Senior Geologist for Education and Outreach at the North Carolina Geological Survey. \n\n\n\nIf you’re paying attention to the current international news cycles\, you’ve certainly heard about critical minerals and rare earth elements. If you been wondering why these minerals are making headlines\, you’re not alone! Join us to find out what those critical minerals are\, why we need them\, why they’re so darn critical\, and how the North Carolina Geological Survey is helping in the efforts to find them in our state. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, this program explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the headlines. The Carolina Science Cafe is hosted at Haw River Tab & Table in Carrboro on Tuesday\, May 6th\, starting at 6:00 p.m. with light appetizers available for all attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nAmy Pitts\, P.G. has a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree in geology from the University of Florida. She’s been a geologist for 23 years and has worked as a hydrogeologist consultant\, as a state regulator\, and as a college instructor. Currently\, she is the Senior Geologist for Education and Outreach for the North Carolina Geological Survey where she combines here two professional passions – geology and education. \n\n\n\n\nLearn More\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-critical-minerals/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carolina-Science-Cafe-1920x842-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250429T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250429T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20250326T174641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T174642Z UID:35788-1745949600-1745953200@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:The Restless Universe (and the Periodic Table) DESCRIPTION:About This Event \n\n\n\nAs a North Carolina Science Festival event\, UNC’s Institute for Cosmology\, Subatomic Matter & Symmetries invites you to Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for a special talk by distinguished speaker Shri Kulkarni of Caltech. \n\n\n\nThe Restless Universe (and the Periodic Table) \n\n\n\nFollowing the Big Bang\, the universe was uniform and devoid of chemistry – until stars forged the elements that makeup the periodic table. Astronomers have since uncovered numerous cosmic explosions\, with supernovae being the most prominent. \n\n\n\nThe Palomar Transient Factory and its successor\, the Zwicky Transient Factory (ZTF)\, have revolutionized our ability to detect these celestial events using cutting edge telescopes and advanced software. This talk will explore groundbreaking discoveries\, from super-luminous supernovae to planets being consumed by aging stars\, paving the way for the next generation of wide-field survey telescopes that will transform our view of the dynamic universe. URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/the-restless-universe-and-the-periodic-table/ LOCATION:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center\, 250 E Franklin St\, Chapel Hill\, North Carolina\, 27516\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250405T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250405T160000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20241223T145804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241223T145806Z UID:35126-1743850800-1743868800@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:UNC Science Expo DESCRIPTION:Join us for one of the biggest science celebrations in the state! \n\n\n\nEvery year\, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center hosts a day of science learning and fun for our community in partnership with UNC-Chapel Hill faculty\, students\, and staff. \n\n\n\nThe UNC Science Expo is a signature event of the annual North Carolina Science Festival and one of the biggest celebrations of science in the state. More than 100 booths staffed by UNC-Chapel Hill students\, researchers\, practitioners\, and community volunteers fill the quads surrounding Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. From hands-on activities and games to science demonstrations and behind-the-scenes lab tours\, the UNC Science Expo makes learning about science fun and engaging for people of all ages. \n\n\n\n\nSpot\, an agile mobile robot from Boston Dynamics\, wows the crowd at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center as part of the UNC Science Expo on Saturday\, April 6\, 2024. \n\n\n\n\nLearn More About the UNC Science Expo\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUNC Science Expo Parking\n\n\n\nIf you are attending the UNC Science Expo and plan to drive\, please allow extra time for parking due to limited options caused by the Expo and other events in Chapel Hill. Please note that the parking lot in front of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center (250 E Franklin Street) will be closed on April 5. \n\n\n\nFor campus parking options\, please visit https://maps.unc.edu/parking/. Parking is also available in town lots and on the street\, but public parking fees may apply. For more information about Town of Chapel Hill parking options\, visit https://parkonthehill.com/. \n\n\n\nAccessible parking will be available on a first-come\, first-served basis in the Old East lot\, located on E Cameron Ave between the New East and Old East buildings. A drop-off zone will be available at the Morehead lot throughout the event. URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/unc-science-expo-4/ LOCATION:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center\, 250 E Franklin St\, Chapel Hill\, North Carolina\, 27516\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Activities ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ExpoLogo_FullColor_NavyText.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250401T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250401T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20250127T180441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T161312Z UID:35358-1743530400-1743534000@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe | Red Wolves DESCRIPTION:NC State’s Real Life Wolf Pack\n\n\n\nJoin us for the next installment of the Carolina Science Cafe\, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s free\, current science awareness program. For the April Cafe\, we will be joined by Dr. Tara Harrison\, an Associate Professor of Zoo and Exotic Animal Medicine at NC State and faculty advisor for the Carnivore Conservation Crew\, an organization that manages and cares for critically endangered red wolves as part of USFW and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE program for Red Wolves. \n\n\n\n\nThis presentation will introduce attendees to red wolves in North Carolina and the role that NC State College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSU CVM) plays in helping conserve this critically endangered species. Red wolves are the most endangered canid species on the planet\, and they are only native to North Carolina. \n\n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, this program explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the headlines. The Carolina Science Cafe is hosted at Haw River Tab & Table in Carrboro on Tuesday\, April 1st\, starting at 6:00 p.m. with light appetizers available for all attendees. Parking is available in the parking deck behind the building if the lot out front if full. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nDr. Tara Harrison graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine with her DVM degree. Afterward\, she earned a Masters of Preventive Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of California-Davis. She did veterinary internships at Toledo Zoo and Wildlife Safari. She has worked at Potter Park Zoo and as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Michigan State University. She then went back to UC Davis and the Sacramento Zoo as an Assistant Professor. \n\n\n\nShe is currently an Associate Professor at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Zoo and Exotic Animal Medicine Service. She is board certified in the American College of Zoological Medicine\, the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine\, and the European College of Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management). \n\n\n\n\nLearn More About Dr. Harrison’s Work\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Carolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-red-wolves/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carolina-Science-Cafe-1920x842-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250321T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250321T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20241218T152137Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T144642Z UID:35101-1742578200-1742583600@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Teen Science Cafe | Psychology DESCRIPTION:The Science of Individuality: A Psychological Exploration of What Makes You\, You\n\n\n\n\nPlease join us at Morehead Planetarium on Friday\, March 21st for a very exciting Teen Science Cafe! After unfortunately cancelling last month’s cafe due to inclement weather\, we will welcome Dylan Wood\, AP Psychology teacher from Chapel Hill High School\, for an in-depth look at the concept of nature versus nurture.Exploring the timeless debate of nature vs. nurture\, this seminar delves into what makes individuals unique. We will examine the factors that shape personal preferences\, behaviors\, and inclinations\, uncovering the psychological and environmental influences that drive what we like and how we see the world. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur monthly cafes include exciting activities\, engaging talks from expert speakers\, and even free food! Plus\, we cover a variety of different topics\, ranging from cell biology to deep space galaxies\, making it a one-of-a-kind spot for high school students to explore new ideas\, interact with each other\, and have fun! \n\n\n\nThe Morehead Teen Science Cafe is where learning meets fun in a space-themed setting. Located on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill\, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center has a history of training astronauts for moon missions\, has a giant dome theater\, schedules frequent shows\, and so much more.The right doors up the big stairs will open at 5:30 for pizza and conversation. The cafe will start at 6:00 and wrap up around 7:00ish. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nDylan Wood is an award-winning AP Psychology teacher at Chapel Hill High School. He studied History and Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and later earned a Masters in the Art of Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In his free time\, he likes to read\, coach track and field\, and spend time with friends and family.  \n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule\n\n\n\n5:30 pm – Arrive and check in. We will gather inside the west\, main entrance of Morehead. \n\n\n\n5:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Pizza social. Pizza social will take place in our classrooms\, located on the 2nd floor. \n\n\n\n6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Discussion & activities. The presentation and discussion will take place in our educational space. \n\n\n\n*Please Note: Depending on scheduled activities\, the program may end between 7:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/teen-science-cafe-psychology/ LOCATION:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center\, 250 E Franklin St\, Chapel Hill\, North Carolina\, 27516\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FB_TSC.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250304T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250304T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20241218T160905Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250224T140423Z UID:35113-1741111200-1741114800@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe | Brain-Machine Interfaces DESCRIPTION:Connecting Minds with Machines\n\n\n\nJoin us for the next installment of the Carolina Science Cafe\, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s free\, current science awareness program. For the March Cafe\, we will be joined by Dr. Amol P. Yadav from the UNC-NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNC-Chapel Hill to discuss his research on brain-spine interfaces\, multi-animal brain-nets and closed-loop stimulation. \n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, this program explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the headlines. The Carolina Science Cafe is hosted at Haw River Tab & Table in Carrboro on Tuesday\, March 4th\, starting at 6:00 p.m. with light appetizers available for all attendees. Parking is available in the parking deck behind the building if the lot out front if full. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nDr. Amol Yadav is an Assistant Professor in the UNC-NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNC-Chapel Hill. He earned his PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2015 from Duke University in the laboratory of Dr. Miguel Nicolelis\, where he developed tools to advance brain-machine interfaces using spinal cord neuromodulation\, and pioneered technologies such as brain-spine interfaces\, multi-animal brain-nets and closed-loop stimulation \n\n\n\n\nHis research lies at the intersection of Neuroscience and Engineering\, and his lab specializes in spinal cord stimulation\, high-density neural recording\, computational modeling\, behavioral experimentation in rodents and human clinical trials with invasive technologies. To advance translational ideas and to bridge the gap between pre-clinical and clinical research\, the lab collaborates with surgeons\, clinicians\, basic scientists\, and other engineers. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Carolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-2/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carolina-Science-Cafe-1920x842-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250204T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250204T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20241218T155517Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250124T130538Z UID:35110-1738692000-1738695600@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe | Solar Fuels DESCRIPTION:From Sunlight to Sweet Fuels: How Plants Do It\n\n\n\nJoin us for the next installment of the Carolina Science Cafe\, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s free\, current science awareness program. For the February Cafe\, we will be joined by Dr. Seun Oyetade from the Cahoon Group in the UNC Department of Chemistry to discuss his research on solar fuels. You can read more in a recent article published by Dave DeFusco titled “Innovative Fuzzy Graphene Technique Paving the Way for Carbon-Neutral Economy.” \n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, this program explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the headlines. The Carolina Science Cafe is hosted at Haw River Tab & Table in Carrboro on Tuesday\, February 4th\, starting at 6:00 p.m. with light appetizers available for all attendees. Parking is available in the parking deck behind the building if the lot out front if full. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn this exciting talk\, we will discuss the groundbreaking world of solar fuels – a sustainable technology that aims to use sunlight to convert greenhouse gas\, carbon dioxide\, into useful\, renewable fuels. Learn how scientists are working to capture earth’s abundant energy source\, convert it into chemical fuels\, and pave the way for a cleaner\, sustainable future. Discover how solar fuels could be the key to a carbon-free world and solving the global energy crisis. \n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nDr. Seun Oyetade obtained his PhD degree in Environmental Physical Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal\, South Africa\, and currently serves as a postdoctoral research associate at the Cahoon Laboratory at UNC. His research focuses on understanding the physical properties of nanomaterials through chemical synthesis\, and their application in wastewater remediation and solar energy. \n\n\n\n\nThe Carolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-solar-fuels/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carolina-Science-Cafe-1920x842-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250107T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250107T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20241126T155712Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T200226Z UID:35023-1736272800-1736276400@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe | Nutrition Science & Flashy Headlines DESCRIPTION:Red dye\, seed oils\, and corn syrup\, oh my! What nutrition science really says about what’s healthy to eat.\n\n\n\nJoin us for the next installment of the Carolina Science Cafe\, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s free\, current science awareness program. For the January Cafe\, we will be joined by Dr. Lindsey Smith Taillie from the UNC Department of Nutrition in the Gillings School of Public Health to discuss recent nutrition headlines\, the science behind them\, and why it’s all so confusing. \n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, this program explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the headlines. The Carolina Science Cafe is hosted at Haw River Tab & Table in Carrboro on Tuesday\, January 7th\, starting at 6:00 p.m. with light appetizers available for all attendees. Parking is available in the parking deck behind the building if the lot out front if full. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs bacon more harmful than our health than cigarettes? Is chocolate good for our hearts or not? And what’s the deal with eggs\, anyway?  Nutrition is often in the headlines after new studies are released\, often with confusing results and recommendations that flip flop. \n\n\n\n\nIn this presentation\, we’ll talk about recent nutrition headlines\, the science behind them\, and why it’s all so confusing. We’ll also cover how the food industry has interfered with nutrition science and policy and generated a lot of the noise. Lastly\, we’ll explore what the data actually tell us about what’s healthy (and not) as well as some potential policy options to make the healthier choice the easier choice. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nLindsey Smith Taillie is an associate professor and associate chair of nutrition at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina\, Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on examining how the food environment affects unhealthy diets\, obesity\, and diabetes as well as evaluating food policies to promote healthier diets in the US and globally. \n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Taillie is co-director of the Global Food Research Program and currently co-leads a large multi-country project to inform and evaluate an array of healthy food policies around the world including in Latin America\, Asia\, and Africa. In the US\, her work has focused on policies including marketing restrictions\, nutrition labels\, taxes on sugary drinks\, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program and WIC\, and school foods. Dr. Taillie’s food policy work has been featured in many major news outlets\, including the New York Times\, Wall Street Journal\, Washington Post\, and The Guardian. \n\n\n\n\nClick Here to Learn More About Dr. Taillie’s Work\n\n\n\n\nThe Carolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe-nutrition-food-labeling/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Carolina-Science-Cafe-scaled.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241203T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241203T190000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20241021T181257Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241120T145813Z UID:34635-1733248800-1733252400@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Carolina Science Cafe | Spatial Intelligence & AI DESCRIPTION:Spatial Intelligence and Embodied AI: Understanding and Interacting with the Real World\n\n\n\nJoin us for the next installment of the Carolina Science Cafe\, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s free\, current science awareness program. For the December cafe\, we will welcome Richard Marks from the UNC School of Data Science and Society to discuss his work on generative AI and mixed reality (XR) technology. \n\n\n\n\n\nThe recent advancements in generative AI have enabled many exciting new digital applications such as ChatGPT\, Copilot\, and Midjourney. So what’s next? Spatial intelligence enables computers to perceive and interpret the real world and share the same physical context that we as people just take for granted. Embodied AI takes this one step further by using this perception to plan and execute actions and then learn from this interaction with the surroundings. These capabilities enable many new applications\, from self-driving cars to graphical chatbots to personal robots. \n\n\n\nDr. Marks will describe these new directions and explain how they connect to his previous work in computer vision\, virtual reality\, and physical simulation. The talk will highlight many prototypes and past research from the internal labs of Sony and Google. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesigned for adults\, this program explores science topics making national and international headlines and offers the chance to meet the experts behind the headlines. The Carolina Science Cafe is hosted at Haw River Tab & Table in Carrboro on Tuesday\, December 3rd\, starting at 6:00 p.m. with light appetizers available for all attendees. Parking is available in the parking deck behind the building if the lot out front if full. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\n\nDr. Richard Marks is a new professor at UNC in the School of Data Science and Society. Previous to UNC\, he was a director and technical project lead at Google\, overseeing an applied research team.  Before that\, Richard was at PlayStation R&D where he founded the Magic Lab and helped create the EyeToy\, PlayStation Move\, and PlayStation VR. He is an inventor on over 100 patents. He studied avionics at MIT then got his PhD from Stanford in underwater robotics. Currently\, Richard is teaching an introductory data science class; last year\, he taught Virtual Reality and 3D graphics. His research focuses on the combination of AI and XR. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Carolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi. \n\n\n\nYou do not need to register…just show up! URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/carolina-science-cafe/ LOCATION:Haw River Tap & Table\, 300 E Main St C\, Carrboro\, NC\, 27510\, United States CATEGORIES:Teen And Adult Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carolina-Science-Cafe-1920x842-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241123T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241123T220000 DTSTAMP:20260505T014451 CREATED:20241108T155347Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241108T155348Z UID:34912-1732388400-1732399200@moreheadplanetarium.org SUMMARY:Skywatching at Prairie Ridge Ecostation DESCRIPTION:Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will be at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ winter astronomy night with the Raleigh Astronomy Club! Weather permitting\, we’ll have telescopes for skywatching\, guided by astronomy educators. Morehead will be onsite from 7 to 9 p.m. for this event. \n\n\n\nWe recommend dressing for the weather and leaving pets at home. The gate to the road will be open at 6:50 p.m. – please do not arrive earlier as there is nowhere to park safely outside the gate. \n\n\n\n\nLearn more about this event URL:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/skywatching-at-prairie-ridge-ecostation/ LOCATION:Prairie Ridge Ecostation\, 1671 Gold Star Dr.\, Raleigh\, North Carolina\, 27607\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://moreheadplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/007316_skywatching_morehead015-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR