Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

One Sky, Many Eyes
2026-01-02 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-01-09 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-01-16 16:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York)

Magic Tree House Space Mission
2026-01-03 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-01-10 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-01-17 10:30 - 11:30

Supermassive Black Holes
2026-01-03 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-09 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-16 15:00 - 16:00

The Longest Night: A Winter's Tale
2026-01-03 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-01-04 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-10 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-01-11 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-17 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-01-18 15:00 - 16:00

Messengers of Time & Space
2026-01-03 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-10 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-17 15:00 - 16:00

Carolina Skies
2026-01-03 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-01-04 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-01-10 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-01-11 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-01-17 16:30 - 17:30

Solar System Odyssey
2026-01-04 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-01-11 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-01-18 13:30 - 14:30

Carolina Science Cafe: Are We Alone?
2026-01-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Haw River Tap & Table, 300 E Main St C, Carrboro, NC, 27510, United States
Are We Alone? Thoughts on the Fermi Paradox

Does 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.

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.

About the Speaker

Brand 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.

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

You do not need to register…just show up!

Star Families: Winter Skies
2026-01-10 12:00 - 13:00

Saturday Science Sparks: Stellar Gaming with UNC’s Young Worlds Lab
2026-01-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
Explore with the experts during Saturday Science Sparks

Want to think like an astronomer? In our first-ever Saturday Science Sparks, UNC’s Young Worlds Lab will be in the Hidden Lives of Stars exhibit—ready to explore the cosmos with you! These astronomers, featured in the exhibit, will take visitors of all ages on their journey of discovery. Study the stars, ask questions, try science tools, and leave inspired!

Located at the Hidden Lives of Stars exhibit in the Polaris 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!

Mars: The Ultimate Voyage
2026-01-17 12:00 - 13:00
