Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Audience: FSU Community, Alumni, Family & Friends
Location: McAuliffe Center
Alumni, family and friends are invited to the Christa McAuliffe Center to interact with the Center's dynamic offerings, including planetarium programs across multiple disciplines and tours of the Challenger Learning Center with simulation of space missions! More information
Dates: October 20 - October 24
Audience: All Ages
Explore programming to implement or participate in during Mass STEM Week 2025 (and beyond)! Learn about state-sponsored Design Challenges and other opportunities hosted by MetroWest organizations! More information.
Date: Friday, October 24
Time: 4:00PM - 5:00PM AND 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Join us for a live tour of the chilling and eerie objects in our night sky and beyond. A Halloween spectacular that is sure to frighten and excite! This program features planetarium film Undiscovered Worlds. Showtimes at 4:00PM AND 6:00PM. Come in costume! Purchase Tickets / More information.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
Time: 4:30PM - 5:30PM
Audience: FSU Community Only
Location: FSU Planetarium
Join us for a live tour of the chilling and eerie objects in our night sky and beyond. A Halloween spectacular that is sure to frighten and excite! This program features planetarium film Undiscovered Worlds. Showtime at 4:30PM. Come in costume! Reserve Seats with FSU ID / More information.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
Time: 6:30PM - 8:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Moon and Saturn! FREE! No registration required - More information.
Date: Friday, November 21
Time: 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Join us for an evening in the planetarium to experience the planetarium film Big Astronomy. Featuring an introduction from Eloise Perna, Student, Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School. Purchase Tickets / More information.
Date: Tuesday, November 25
Time: 5:00PM - 6:30PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Moon and Saturn! FREE! No registration required - More information.
Remembering the 40th Anniversary of the Challenger disaster: January 28, 1986-2026.
The Christa McAuliffe Center invites multigenerational audiences to a series of conversations that will explore key formative moments in the life of Christa McAuliffe; examine the historical context of the 1986 Challenger mission; and reflect on the lessons learned from the tragedy.
Date: Thursday, December 4
Time: 5:00PM - 6:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: Alumni Room at Framingham State University and Zoom (Hybrid)
Date: Saturday, December 20
Times: 3:00PM and 7:30PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Experience Octave of Light, a planetarium concert of exoplanet music. This groundbreaking show takes audiences on an immersive journey across the stars, exploring distant worlds through sight, sound and live electrosymphonic music. Performances at 3:00PM and 7:30PM. Purchase Tickets / More information.
Date: Wednesday, February 4
Time: 5:00PM - 6:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: Alumni Room at Framingham State University and Zoom (Hybrid)
Date: Thursday, March 5
Time: 5:00PM - 6:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: Alumni Room at Framingham State University and Zoom (Hybrid)
* Event Canceled due to cloud cover*
Date: Monday, September 29
Time: 7:00PM - 8:15PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: May Hall, FSU
* Event Canceled due to cloud cover* Use telescopes to observe the Moon! FREE! No registration required - More information.
Date: Friday, September 26
Time: 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Join us as we explore The Solar System during a live presentation then experience the planetarium film Fly Me to the Moon. Purchase Tickets / More information.
Date: Thursday, September 18
Time: 9:00AM - 10:30AM
Location: Zoom
If you are looking for programming to implement during STEM Week (and beyond), join the information session to learn about state-sponsored Design Challenges and other opportunities hosted by MetroWest organizations! Register / More information.
Date: Friday, August 29
Time: SOLD OUT 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Fly through through lavishly arranged visuals as we visit distant galaxies, tour the planets of the inner Solar System, Jupiter, its moons, and - of course - Saturn's rings. SOLD OUT / More information.
Date: Tuesday, August 19
Time: 3:00PM - 4:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
On a two-year journey to Mars, astronauts will face extraordinary challenges: long distance, a closed environment, isolation, altered gravity, radiation. What will it take to get astronauts to Mars—and back—safely? Purchase Tickets / More information.
Date: Tuesday, August 12
Time: 3:00PM - 4:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
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. Purchase Tickets / More information.
Date: Tuesday, July 29
Time: 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Our climate, our ecosystems, and the human-induced damage caused to both of them are explored in depth. Dive into a friendly introduction to the changes imposed upon our planet's climate, how we measure them, and what we can do about it. Purchase Tickets / More information.
Date: Thursday, July 24
Time: 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
An elaborate, animated film offering big adventure and comedy, set against the real story of our first visit to another world. Follow three young flies as they inadvertently stowaway aboard Apollo 11 and join Neil, Buzz, and Michael on their mission to pull off the very first moon landing! More information.
Date: Tuesday, July 15
Time: 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
On a two-year journey to Mars, astronauts will face extraordinary challenges: long distance, a closed environment, isolation, altered gravity, radiation. What will it take to get astronauts to Mars—and back—safely? More information.
Date: Tuesday, July 8
Time: 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
An elaborate, animated film offering big adventure and comedy, set against the real story of our first visit to another world. Follow three young flies as they inadvertently stowaway aboard Apollo 11 and join Neil, Buzz, and Michael on their mission to pull off the very first moon landing! More information.
Date: Tuesday, July 1
Time: 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
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. More information.
Date: Tuesday, June 24
Time: 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Our climate, our ecosystems, and the human-induced damage caused to both of them are explored in depth. Dive into a friendly introduction to the changes imposed upon our planet's climate, how we measure them, and what we can do about it. More information.
Date: Friday, June 13
Time: 6:30PM - 9:30PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center
To honor the 42nd anniversary of Sally Ride becoming the first American woman in space, we are hosting a special evening consisting of FREE fun for everyone! Engage in hands-on activities led by NASA Solar System Ambassadors and The Space Consortium and experience full planetarium programs! More Information.
Date: Friday, May 23
Time: 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
On a two-year journey to Mars, astronauts will face extraordinary challenges: long distance, a closed environment, isolation, altered gravity, radiation. What will it take to get astronauts to Mars—and back—safely? More information.
Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 12:00PM - 3:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center and O’Connor Parking Lot
Rain or Shine! In case of bad weather all exhibits will move indoors.
Attend our annual free science festival for families and learners of all ages! Explore science, technology, engineering, and math and the ways they support environmental justice, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability! Rain or Shine! In case of bad weather all exhibits will move indoors.
Date: Thursday, April 24
Time: 2:30PM - 4:00PM
Audience: Ages 8-13
Location: McAuliffe Center
This engaging workshop invites children aged 8 to 13 (grades 3-8) to dive into the wonders of astronomy, space exploration, and planetary defense. FREE! RSVP currently closed. - More information.
Date: Thursday, April 24
Time: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center, FSU Planetarium
Join us for a panel discussion about Inspiring Women in Space. Hear from four accomplished panelists. FREE! RSVP required - More information.
Date: Thursday, April 24
Time: 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Audience: Grades 5-8
Location: McAuliffe Center
Mission: Expedition Mars
A full space mission simulation for individual participants in grades 5-8 during April School Vacation. Can pair with Inspiring Women in Space at 1:00PM or Exploring Astronomy and Planetary Defense Workshop at 2:30PM. Registration required - More information.
Date: Tuesday, April 22
Time: 9:00AM - 12:15PM
Audience: Grades 5-8
Location: McAuliffe Center
Mission: Expedition Mars
Workshop: AI Workshop led by MathWorks
A 2-hour space mission simulation followed by an AI Workshop led by MathWorks for individual participants in grades 5-8 during April School Vacation. EVENT IS FULL - More information.
Date: Tuesday, April 8
Time: 7:45PM - 9:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Moon, Jupiter and Mars! FREE! No registration required - More information.
EVENT CANCELED
Date: Thursday, March 6
EVENT CANCELED. Use telescopes to observe the Moon, Jupiter and Mars! FREE! No registration required - More information.
Date: Saturday, March 1
Showtimes: SOLD OUT 6:00PM AND 7:30PM
6:00PM: For all audiences and children ages 5-13
7:30PM: For audiences ages 14 and older
Location: McAuliffe Center
Join us to celebrate through live music and stunning planetarium visualizations, Earthrise, "the most influential environmental photograph ever taken". SOLD OUT / More information.
Date: Thursday, February 6
Time: 6:00PM Showtime
Audience: Families and all ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Do Earth-like planets exist elsewhere in the universe? Travel to distant stars and fly up close to exotic planets. Experience the science shifting our perspective on humanity’s place in the cosmos. More information.
Date: Saturday, December 14
Times: SOLD OUT 3:00PM Family Show - recommended for families and school-age children (age 5 and up).
SOLD OUT 4:30PM Show - recommended for age 12 and older.
SOLD OUT 6:30PM Show - recommended for age 12 and older.
Location: McAuliffe Center
The Christa McAuliffe Center is excited to bring to MetroWest the Black Hole Symphony, an immersive music production unfolding the story of black holes as engines of gravity, light, and creation through a groundbreaking fusion of art, science, and music! Three performance times at 3:00PM (Family Show), 4:30PM and 6:30PM. More information.
Date: Wednesday, December 11
Time: 10:00AM
Location: Virtual Webinar
The webinar is to introduce a new report on the current landscape of state-funded STEM-focused internships and work-based learning opportunities in Massachusetts. We'll discuss critical areas for growth, best practices, and successful models that can be replicated and scaled. More information
EVENT CANCELED
Date: Monday, December 9
Time: 4:30PM - 6:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Saturn, the Moon, and Venus! FREE! No registration required - More information.
Date: Friday, November 22
Time: 6:00PM-7:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Follow three young flies as they inadvertently stowaway aboard Apollo 11 and join Neil, Buzz, and Michael on their mission to pull off the very first moon landing! More information.
Date: Friday, October 25
Times: 4:30PM - 5:00PM AND 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Explore the disturbed natural systems that regulate our warming planet with a combination of satellite imagery and computer models used by climate scientists. More information.
Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Time: 3:30PM - 6:00PM
Age Recommendation: High School, College, Educators
Location: McAuliffe Center
Meet with local employers and sustainability organizations to: explore a wide range of emerging job opportunities in the green sector; share your skills and interests and learn how they support the needs of the green workforce; network with local employers, green sector professionals and like-minded youth. More information
Dates: October 21 - October 25
Audience: All Ages
Explore programming to implement or participate in during Mass STEM Week 2024 (and beyond)! Learn about state-sponsored Design Challenges and other opportunities hosted by MetroWest organizations!
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 6:20PM - 7:50PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: Crocker Hall Front Lawn, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Saturn and the Moon! FREE! No registration required - More information.
Virtual Event
Date: Wednesday, September 25
Time: 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Come learn about how weather systems are changing in MetroWest and how we can prepare for extreme weather. Last summer, the communities of Ashland, Natick, Framingham, and Holliston took part in a heat study conducted by the McAuliffe Center. The results show the relationship between nature and heat islands located within MetroWest. More information.
Date: Wednesday, September 11
Time: 12:30PM - 2:30PM
Age Recommendation: College & Up
Location: McAuliffe Center
Learn about job opportunities and internships at the Christa McAuliffe Center!
Date: Monday, September 9
Time: 2:30PM - 4:30PM
Age Recommendation: College & Up
Location: McAuliffe Center
Learn about job opportunities and internships at the Christa McAuliffe Center!
Date: Tuesday, September 3
Time: 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Location: McCarthy Center Patio
Visit the Christa McAuliffe Center Table during FSU’s Open House to learn about our Center, upcoming public events, and job openings!
Date: Saturday, July 27
Time: 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center & FSU Campus
Visit the Christa McAuliffe Center during FSU Police’s Touch-A-Truck Event hosted by K-9 Ramsey! Watch screenings of the short film Earthrise, explore our lifesize Neil Armstrong Apollo 11 spacesuit replica, and tour the Challenger Learning Center!
Date: Thursday, July 18
Time: 5:00PM - 7:30PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center & FSU Planetarium
Since it was launched into space in July 1999, NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory has changed our view of the Universe, and it is still capable of many more years of operation and scientific discovery! Join us in collaboration with Chandra X-ray Observatory as we celebrate Chandra’s 25th Anniversary with hands-on activities, exhibits, giveaways, and a planetarium program with guest experts!
Date: Thursday, June 20
Time: 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Age Recommendation: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center
To honor the 41st anniversary of Sally Ride becoming the first American woman in space, we are hosting a special evening consisting of fun for everyone! Participate in a space mission simulation, hands-on STEM activities led by NASA Solar System Ambassadors, and a full-dome Planetarium film (showtimes at 6:30pm and 7:45pm)! More Information
Date: Friday, May 17
Time: 7:30PM - 9:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: May Hall, FSU
Moon Party! Use telescopes to observe the Moon! FREE no registration required
Date: Friday, May 3
Time: 5:30PM-6:30PM AND 7:00PM-8:00PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Follow three young flies as they inadvertently stowaway aboard Apollo 11 and join Neil, Buzz, and Michael on their mission to pull off the very first moon landing! More information.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Time: 12:00PM - 3:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center and O’Connor Parking Lot
Join us for our annual free science festival for families and learners of all ages! Explore science, technology, engineering, and math and the ways they support environmental justice, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability!
Date: Saturday, April 20
Live showtimes: 7:00PM and 8:30PM
Audience: Recommended for ages 13+
Location: McAuliffe Center
Performed in the Planetarium with stunning full dome visuals, Climate Hope Concert interweaves music and science to tell immersive stories of regeneration: projects working to heal not just our atmosphere, but our biosphere and society as a whole. More information.
Date: Thursday, April 18
Space Resource Fair: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Panel: 2:00PM - 3:00PM
Planetarium Show: 3:00PM - 4:00PM
Location: McAuliffe Center
The Space Consortium invites you to attend Massachusetts Space Week Event Series featuring: the space resources fair, diversity, equity and inclusion panel and planetarium show. More information.
Date: Tuesday, April 17
Time: 9:00AM - 11:30AM
Audience: Grades 6-9
Location: McAuliffe Center
Mission: Lunar Quest
A two-hour mission program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center. More information.
Date: Tuesday, April 16
Time: 9:00AM - 11:30AM
Audience: Grades 6-9
Location: McAuliffe Center
Mission: Lunar Quest
A two-hour mission program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center. More information.
Date: April 16 - April 17
Time: 9:00AM-11:30AM
Audience: Grades 6-9
Location: McAuliffe Center
Date: Wednesday, March 13
Time: 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Moon, Jupiter, Pleiades, and Orion Nebula!
Date: Friday, March 8
Time: 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Audience: Recommended for ages 13+
Location: FSU Planetarium
Fly through through lavishly arranged visuals as we visit distant galaxies, tour the planets of the inner Solar System, Jupiter, its moons, and - of course - Saturn's rings. SOLD OUT
Date: Friday, February 23
Time: 2:30PM-3:30PM AND 3:45PM-4:45PM
Audience: Families & All Ages
Location: FSU Planetarium
Follow three young flies as they inadvertently stowaway aboard Apollo 11 and join Neil, Buzz, and Michael on their mission to pull off the very first moon landing! More information.
Date: Thursday, February 22
Time: 9:00AM - 2:30PM
Audience: Grades 6-8
Location: McAuliffe Center
Mission: Expedition Mars
Film: Big Astronomy
A one-day program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center, watch a full-dome film in the FSU Planetarium, and do hands-on STEAM activities! More information.
Date: Wednesday, February 21
Time: 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Audience: Grades 1-3 AND Required Parent/Guardian
Location: McAuliffe Center
Film:Fly Me to the Moon
A two-hour program for elementary school students and their parent/guardian to watch a full-dome film in the state-of-the-art Framingham State University Planetarium and engage in related STEAM activities! More information.
Date: Wednesday, February 21
Time: 9:00AM - 2:30PM
Audience: Grades 6-8
Location: McAuliffe Center
Mission: Expedition Mars
Film:Undiscovered Worlds
A one-day program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center, watch a full-dome film in the FSU Planetarium, and do hands-on STEAM activities! More information.
Date: Tuesday, February 20
Time: 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: May Hall, FSU
Use telescopes to observe the Moon, Jupiter, Pleiades, and Orion Nebula! FREE! No registration necessary - More information.
Date: Tuesday, February 20
Time: 11:30AM - 5:00PM
Audience: Grades 6-8
Location: McAuliffe Center
Mission: Expedition Mars
Film:We Are Guardians
A one-day program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the Challenger Learning Center, watch a full-dome film in the FSU Planetarium, and do hands-on STEAM activities! More information.
Date: February 20 - February 23
Time: Program Dependent
Audience: Programs for Elementary School, Middle School, & All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center
One-day mission and planetarium programs are back for individual participants during February School Vacation! Click here for more information about all program options — registration is open now!
Date: Sunday, January 28
Time: 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center
Save the date for our Day of Remembrance. Official remarks with a moment of silence, performance by Dr. David Ibbett, and exploration of the Challenger Learning Center and Framingham State University’s Planetarium.
Date: Saturday, January 27
Time: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
Audience: All Ages
Location: McAuliffe Center
Come explore our redesigned center! Experience the planetarium film Big Astronomy, enjoy live performances of Octave of Light by Multiverse Concert Series, experiment in the Challenger Learning Center, interact with NASA Solar System Ambassadors, and more!
