From Earth to the Universe
2026-08-22 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-29 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-05 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)

Carolina Skies
2026-08-22 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-08-28 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-08-29 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-09-04 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-09-05 16:30 - 17:30

Solar System Odyssey
2026-08-23 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-08-30 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-09-06 13:30 - 14:30

Supermassive Black Holes
2026-08-23 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-30 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-06 15:00 - 16:00

One Sky, Many Eyes
2026-08-23 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-08-30 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-09-06 16:30 - 17:30

Carolina Skies: Lunar Eclipse
2026-08-27 21:30 - 22:30

Skywatching & Show: Lunar Eclipse
2026-08-27 21:30 - 2026-08-28 00:30 | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
Celebrate the lunar eclipse with Morehead’s astronomy educators!

On Thursday, August 27, celebrate the partial lunar eclipse with a special evening at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center! Under the climate-controlled, always-clear planetarium sky, we’ll simulate the eclipse, tour the North Carolina night sky, and take a spectacular journey through our universe. If the weather permits, join us after the show for eclipse observing from the Morehead Sundial.

Schedule

9:30 – 10:30 PM | Carolina Skies: Lunar Eclipse show

10:30 PM – 12:30 AM | Free skywatching (weather permitting)

Tickets for Carolina Skies: Lunar Eclipse are available starting on Monday, July 27. UNC-Chapel Hill students can enjoy $6 tickets to the planetarium show. Log in to Heel Life to receive your student discount code!

Carolina Skies tickets

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

Messengers of Time & Space
2026-08-28 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-04 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-11 15:00 - 16:00

Magic Tree House Space Mission
2026-08-29 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-09-05 10:30 - 11:30

Saturday Science Sparks: Warmer Climates
2026-08-29 11:00 - 15:00 | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
The Heat is on…and the Science is Cool!

Scientists are building tools to help people and the planet deal with hotter days. Join members of UNC’s Data-Driven EnviroLab (DDL) for a fire hands-on experience around the challenge of a warmer climate!

You can meet members of DDL in the Launch Lab from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All ages welcome. This special program is included in admission.

About the Data-Driven EnviroLab

The Data-Driven EnviroLab is an interdisciplinary research collective at UNC-Chapel Hill that uses data and technology to address pressing environmental challenges. Led by Associate Professor Angel Hsu, DDL transforms complex datasets into actionable insights that inform policy, promote accountability, and support equitable, evidence-based solutions worldwide.

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.

Astronaut
2026-08-29 12:00 - 13:00

We Are Stars
2026-08-29 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-09-05 13:30 - 14:30

Carolina Science Cafe: NC’s Changing Climate
2026-09-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Haw River Tap & Table, 300 E Main St C, Carrboro, NC, 27510, United States
Figure 1

North Carolina’s Changing Climate: Extreme Heat and Rainfall

From the mountains to the coast – North Carolina’s climate is changing. One aspect of the climate system that is of concern is the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat and rainfall events. In this talk, State Climatologist & Director of the State Climate Office of NC Jared H. Bowden, PhD, will discuss observed changes in extreme heat and rainfall, the climate science that supports these changes, and provide insight into the future using climate models.

Designed 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.

Figure 1. A map showing 100-year storm rainfall depths for a 24hr duration using observations (top) and climate model projections at the end-of-century for a high greenhouse gas emission scenario (bottom). The image was created using a tool developed by the State Climate Office of NC to help engineers plan for extreme rainfall changes in a warmer climate. View the tool.

About the Speaker

Jared H. Bowden was recently named the Director of the NC State Climate Office and serves as the state climatologist. He has over 20 years of experience in applied climatology research and atmospheric modeling. He enjoys working closely with scientists and practitioners in various disciplines and has emphasized infrastructure, especially transportation within NC, in recent years. Dr. Bowden has participated in large climate assessments, including as a co-author on the 4th and 5th National Climate Assessments, and is currently leading an initiative to update the NC Climate Science Report.

More about Dr. Bowden

Carolina Science Cafe is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and sponsored by the UNC Chapter of Sigma Xi.

The Sun: Our Living Star
2026-09-05 12:00 - 13:00
