EXPLORE THE SUN, MOON AND STARS!
Spring Astronomy Week: March 20-26, 2023
3…2…1… Liftoff! Journey through the cosmos during Arizona Science Center’s Astronomy Week! Discover the Sun, Moon and stars with dazzling demonstrations and hands-on activities—all week long.
Astronomy Family Night will be Friday, March 24 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.! Bring the whole family out to celebrate the wonders of our universe with a FREE event outside the Science Center entrance in Heritage Square. Peer through different types of telescopes along with out-of-this-world activities that will give you a greater knowledge about what lies above!
All Astronomy Week activities are included with general admission to the Science Center. Additional tickets are required for the Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater, Dorrance Planetarium, and featured exhibition. Children under 3 are always FREE.
Astronomy Week is generously supported by the Richard F. Caris Charitable Trust.
Members Get the Most!
Members-Only Hours and Morning Refreshments
Saturday and Sunday | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
From 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Members get early access to Arizona Science Center! Be sure to fuel your day with some morning treats all celebrating the Moon! Enjoy flaky croissants, donuts and more.
Out-Of-This-World Activities
Astronomy Family Night
Friday, March 24 | 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Welcome Spring with some stargazing! Investigate how scientists learn about space by looking through different kinds of telescopes and explore different hands-on activities.
Space-tacular Activities & Demonstrations
All Week Long
Discover the science of space exploration with hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations all week long! Build your own mini telescope, see if you have what it takes to be an astronaut and more.
Enjoy out-of-this-world demonstrations at the Daniel Cracchiolo Theater at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Arizona Skies
Showtime | 1:00 p.m. Daily
Ever looked up and wondered about the stars above you? Find out at Arizona Skies—a show dedicated to exploring Arizona's night sky! Head down different trails to discover that Arizona is one of the best places to stargaze. View the constellations visible to us and learn about the different cultural interpretations of them, from Greek mythology to Navajo folklore.
Expedition: Solar System
Showtimes | 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. on Weekends
Grab your space helmets, Arizona—It's time for the ultimate road trip, across all of space, and to the outer edges of our Solar System! We'll explore volcanoes and craters, ice and storms, hundreds of billions of stars, and so much more. Seated under the 60-foot NanoSeam dome, Expedition: Solar System is the ultimate cosmic exploration experience.
Club for the Future's Postcards to Space
All Week Long
Send a postcard to space! Throughout the week, you can design your very own postcard to be sent into orbit aboard a Blue Origin rocket. Postage and drop box available onsite if desired. Learn more about Club for the Future's postcards to space here.
Astronomy Resources
Astronomy Weekend YouTube Playlist
Curious about all things space-related? We've compiled our favorite demonstrations, webinars and activities in one convenient playlist! Space-lovers of all ages are sure to learn something new.
NASA STEM Engagement
Stay up-to-date on all the latest NASA News and request meetings and speakers from the nation's premiere space agency. Explore NASA content fit for your age range, internship opportunities, educator resources and more.
Lowell Observatory
Travel north to our friends at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff! As Arizona's most established observatory in the nation's first Dark Sky Certified city, you'll be able to peer through multiple telescopes.
