Carolina Skies: Valentine Edition
2026-02-13 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-14 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-14 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)

Magic Tree House Space Mission
2026-02-14 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-02-21 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-02-28 10:30 - 11:30

Saturday Science Sparks: The Science of Puppy Love
2026-02-14 11:00 - 15:00 | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
(Megan Mendenhall / Office of Research Communications)

Can humans love robotic dogs?

This 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!

Located in the Ivan R. King Gateway Gallery.

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. Mark your calendars for the second Saturday of each month!

Learn more about Saturday Science Sparks

Supermassive Black Holes
2026-02-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-20 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-27 15:00 - 16:00

The Longest Night: A Winter's Tale
2026-02-14 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-02-15 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-21 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-02-22 15:00 - 16:00

Messengers of Time & Space
2026-02-14 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-21 15:00 - 16:00

Carolina Skies
2026-02-14 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-02-15 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-02-21 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-02-22 16:30 - 17:30

Solar System Odyssey
2026-02-15 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-02-22 13:30 - 14:30

Yoga Under The Stars
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-25 18:00 - 19:00

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

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

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

Learn more about the Summit

One Sky, Many Eyes
2026-02-20 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-02-27 16:30 - 17:30

Teen Science Cafe: AI Applications
2026-02-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
Please join us at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for February’s Teen Science Cafe! In this session, we’ll be discussing AI applications. Stay tuned for more information on this month’s speaker!Open 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.

Learn more about Teen Science Cafe

Program Schedule

6:00 pm: Arrive and check in. We will gather inside the west, main entrance of Morehead.

6:00 – 6:30 pm: Pizza social. The pizza social will take place in our classrooms, located on the 2nd floor.

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Discussion & activities. Trivia will take place in the Science Stage.

Please Note: Depending on scheduled activities, the program may end between 7:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

Mars: The Ultimate Voyage
2026-02-21 12:00 - 13:00

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
