Grand Reopening Celebration
Saturday, January 27
11:00AM - 4:00PM
Christa McAuliffe Center,
Framingham state University
Come explore the redesigned McAuliffe Center!
All programming is FREE, and ALL are welcome!
Experience Planetarium Film
Big Astronomy*
*Planetarium shows are free, but tickets are required.
Tickets will be available in-person 30 minutes prior to showtimes. 6 ticket maximum per group. McAuliffe Center doors will open at 10:45am for the first showing.
+ Big Astronomy (trailer)
Take a journey through observatories used by professional astronomers in the gorgeous mountains of Chile, one of the best astronomical observing locations on Earth. Our planetarium is transformed into a giant observatory dome as astronomers investigate the Solar System and the distant observable Universe. Visit with the technicians from an array of STEM disciplines who build, maintain, and operate these huge instruments.
Enjoy performances OF
Octave of Light by Multiverse
Octave of Light is an album inspired by the search for life on exoplanets, and the clues that might reveal life’s presence: chemical signs like water vapor, methane, and oxygen. Throughout the live performances, you'll learn a musical language of molecules, elements, and exoplanets - woven into songs for soprano, piano, violin, and electronics. Explore possible worlds through evocative discussion, immersive music, and mind-bending art in this cohesive, multimedia experience!
+ Multiverse Concert Series
Multiverse Concert Series is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization consisting of a team of scientists, artists, and musicians. In addition to being featured several times on WGBH, they have performed at venues such as the Charles Hayden Planetarium at Boston’s Museum of Science, MIT’s Killian Hall, and Watertown’s Mosesian Center for the Arts.
Experiment in the Challenger Learning Center
Experiment during a simulated Mars mission in the fully-immersive Challenger Learning Center Spacecraft and Mission Control! Join the McAuliffe Center’s team of Mission Commanders and Flight Directors to complete station assignments, manipulate hands-on labs, and cope with simulated emergencies.
+ Expedition Mars
Expedition Mars - The year is 2076. A handful of facilities have been established on Mars: a greenhouse, a mobile geological survey base, and a centralized research habitat. The primary human habitat is not on Mars, but on one of its moons, Phobos. A Spacecraft regularly ferries astronauts and scientists between the base on Phobos and the surface of Mars. The Spacecraft also carries parts to build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to continue the search for evidence of life and water. However, when crew members discover an imminent threat to their Spacecraft and the Martian surface facilities, they must act quickly to save their stations, their research, and their lives.
Interact with NASA Solar System Ambassadors
Participate in hands-on activities led by NASA Solar System Ambassadors, ask them your questions about space exploration missions or discoveries, and collect cool NASA giveaways!
Meet Framingham state university’s police K-9 Ramsey and Corporal Deleskey
K-9 Ramsey and Corporal Deleskey will be present from 3-4pm!
DIRECTIONS
This event is located at the Christa McAuliffe Center on the campus of Framingham State University. Interactive Campus Map.
Parking
Plenty of free, on-campus parking is available in the McCarthy Center Parking Lot, Maynard Road Parking Lot and Salem End Road Parking Lot, which are just short walks to the McAuliffe Center. Please follow all parking and event signs.
ADDRESSES
McCarthy Center Parking Lot: 1 Church Street, Framingham, MA 01702
Maynard Road Parking Lot: 50 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01702
Salem End Parking Lot: 75 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01702
Please note: Food and/or drinks with an exception of water are not allowed in McAuliffe Center spaces. Strollers are not allowed inside the Planetarium.