Save the date:
Sally’s Night Celebration
Friday, June 12
TIME TBD
christa mcauliffe centeR
Framingham state University
2026 marks the 43rd anniversary of Sally Ride’s historic STS-7 mission and becoming the first American woman in space.
To honor her and this special anniversary, we are joining the initiative started by the National Air and Space Museum to host a FREE evening in the planetarium for learners of all ages!
Come celebrate and show us how you #ShineLikeSally!
Please note the planetarium program is free but tickets are required. Use the button below to register.
Planetarium program:
This planetarium program will feature the live planetarium show Exploring Earth’s Moon followed by the planetarium film Destination Mars.
Exploring Earth’s Moon
Take a deep dive to look at the Moon, learn about the Apollo and Artemis missions, and see the recent Artemis II photographs with immense clarity on our dome, while discussing the science of what they did on their mission.
Destination Mars
Ever wonder what it would be like to fly to Mars? NASA – and others – have their sights set on the Red Planet and they’re building the technology to get us there! Destination Mars: The New Frontier gives you an up-close look at humanity’s most epic endeavor. Explore the work being done around the globe to help make the dream of getting humans to Mars a reality. Fly through the International Space Station, where astronauts are already living and working in space, and follow the rockets and vehicles that will take humans beyond the Moon and, one day, all the way to Mars! Travel along as we imagine this remarkable journey.
*Planetarium program is free but tickets are required.
ABOUT SALLY RIDE
Dr. Sally K. Ride lived her life with extraordinary energy, passion, curiosity, and joy. Whether in the classroom or on the tennis court, in the lab or on the launch pad—it was clear from the start that Sally would reach great heights.
June 18, 2026 is the 43rd anniversary of one exciting episode of Sally’s extraordinary life—STS-7, the historic mission when she became the first American woman in space. Sally Ride was not the only woman to study and explore our universe. As we celebrate her legacy, we also celebrate the women and gender-expansive people who came before her and follow in her footsteps.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Food/drink and strollers are not allowed in the Planetarium.
The McAuliffe Center is located at the rear of O’Connor Hall on the campus of Framingham State University. Enter the McAuliffe Center through O’Connor Parking Lot.
Parking:
All vehicles parked on the FSU campus for this program require a valid FSU Parking Pass or the vehicle is subject to a parking ticket and tow at the owner’s expense. About one week before the event, you will receive a parking pass and an FSU campus map with parking information.
*If you purchased a ticket and did not receive a parking pass, please stop by the McAuliffe Center BEFORE you park your car to obtain a parking pass and additional parking information.
