Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

Skywatching: International Observe the Moon Night | Observación del cielo: Noche Internacional de Observación de la Luna
2025-10-04 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Peach Road Cultural Center, 911 Ileagnes Rd, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27603, United States
Join Morehead Planetarium, Raleigh Parks, Raleigh Astronomy Club, and Consulado General de Mexico for a special skywatching event on International Observe the Moon Night! Learn about the Moon, constellations, and the planets in our Solar System through telescopes and other fun activities.

Skywatching will take place at Peach Road Park in Raleigh. This is an informal session, so you can arrive and leave at any time during the program. However, if you plan to attend, we suggest bringing a blanket or chairs and some snacks so you can relax under the stars.

We ask that you leave all pets at home, even those on a leash. Darkness, lots of people, expensive telescopes, and pets are a bad combination. Pets will not be permitted 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.

Learn more about skywatching events

Únase al Planetario Morehead, Parques de Raleigh, el Club de Astronomía de Raleigh y Consulado General de México para un evento especial de observación del cielo en la Noche Internacional de Observación de la Luna. Aprende sobre la Luna, las constelaciones y los planetas de nuestro Sistema Solar a través de telescopios y otras actividades divertidas.

La observación del cielo se llevará a cabo en Peach Road Park en Raleigh. Esta es una sesión informal, por lo que puede llegar y salir en cualquier momento durante el programa. Sin embargo, si planea asistir, te sugerimos traer una manta o sillas y algunos bocadillos para que puedas relajarte bajo las estrellas.

Le pedimos que deje a todas las mascotas en casa, incluso a las que llevan correa. La oscuridad, mucha gente, los telescopios caros y las mascotas son una mala combinación. No se permitirán mascotas cerca de los telescopios.

Tenga en cuenta que este evento depende del clima. En caso de cancelación, proporcionaremos actualizaciones en nuestro sitio web y redes sociales.

Aprende más sobre observaciones del cielo

Skywatching at Little River Regional Park
2025-11-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Little River Regional Park, 301 Little River Park Way, Rougemont, North Carolina, 27572, United States
Join Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS) for skywatching at Little River Regional Park! On this night, we’ll be focusing on Saturn’s nearly edge-on rings.

This is an informal session, so you can arrive and leave at any time during the program. However, if you plan to attend, we suggest bringing a blanket or chairs and some snacks so you can relax under the stars.

We ask that you leave all pets at home, even those on a leash. Darkness, lots of people, expensive telescopes, and pets are a bad combination. Pets will not be permitted 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.

Have more questions about skywatching? Visit our FAQs page!

Skywatching FAQs

Skywatching at the Morehead Sundial
2025-11-23 17:45 - 18:45 | Morehead Planetarium Sundial, 220 E Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States
Join Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for free pop-up skywatching at the Morehead Sundial! On this night, we’ll be focusing on Saturn’s nearly edge-on rings.

This is an informal session, so you can arrive and leave at any time during the program. We ask that you leave all pets at home, even those on a leash. Darkness, lots of people, expensive telescopes, and pets are a bad combination. Pets will not be permitted 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.

Have more questions about skywatching? Visit our FAQs page!

Skywatching FAQs

Skywatching at Stagville — Geminid Meteor Shower
2025-12-13 20:00 - 22:00 | Horton Grove – Historic Stagville State Historic Site, 5925 Jock Road, Bahama, North Carolina, 27503, United States
Join staff and volunteers from Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS), and Historic Stagville for the peak night of the Geminid meteor shower!

To view meteors, all you need are your eyes. However, we’ll offer telescopes for you to catch Saturn, Jupiter, and other celestial sights. Please note that this event is weather-dependent. In the event of a cancellation, we will provide updates on our website and social media.

To attend and receive updates about this free event, please register using the link below. We hope to see you there!

Register

Know Before You Go

This outdoor event will take place in the open field at the Horton Grove entrance of Historic Stagville State Historic Site. Due to the high volume of people and limited parking, please carpool if possible.

This is an informal session, so you can arrive and leave at any time during the program. However, if you plan to attend, we suggest bringing a blanket or chairs and some snacks so you can relax under the stars.

We ask that you leave all pets at home, even those on a leash. Darkness, lots of people, expensive telescopes, and pets are a bad combination. Pets will not be permitted near the telescopes.

Have more questions about skywatching? Visit our FAQs page!

Skywatching FAQs

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

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.

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

Skywatching: Views from The Durham
2026-05-19 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-06-09 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-21 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-15 19:30 - 21:30 | 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!
