From Oakland to the Stars: A weekend celebration of our new exhibit, Universe Unveiled

Join us for a weekend full of hands-on discovery and community connection as we unveil our newest outdoor exhibit, Universe Unveiled, on the Observation Deck. From stunning space images to student-engineered rovers and hikes through the redwoods-there’s something for everyone!

Opening April 26: Universe Unveiled A new outdoor exhibit exploring how we capture and imagine the cosmos

Developed in partnership with Space Telescope Science Institute, Universe Unveiled features a breathtaking gallery of astrophotography taken by amateur astrophotographers right here in the Bay Area. These aren’t just beautiful images-they’re windows into space, created with real scientific data and artistic insight that offer views into the sky above us.

This exhibit invites you to journey through time and technology, from early telescope sketches and glass plate photos to stunning modern images captured by passionate local astrophotographers.

Weekend Highlights Saturday, April 26

Talks & Presentations

• 10:30 AM - The Art and Science Behind Space Telescope Imagery Join imaging specialist Alyssa Pagan from the Space Telescope Science Institute for a virtual talk on how color space images are created using data from observatories like Hubble and Webb.
• 12:30 PM - Secrets of the Sun Solar physicist Dr. Becca Robinson shares the story of an unexpected research breakthrough and how NASA’s upcoming MUSE mission could help us better understand our closest star.
• 2:30 PM - Live Science: Solar Spotlight Our entire lives revolve around the Sun, but how much do we really know about it? Join us for Live Science to experience exciting demonstrations and captivating visuals while we shine a spotlight on the marvels of our favorite star!

Galaxy Explorer Student Showcases

Meet our talented high school volunteers as they present innovative, hands-on science projects developed at Chabot throughout the semester.

• Engineering Team - 10:15 AM | Courtyard Explore student-built rovers inspired by NASA’s Perseverance mission, including their own version of the open-source JPL Sawppy rover.
• Environmental Monitoring Team - 2:00 PM | Observation Deck See student-led wildfire risk surveys of Joaquin Miller Park, including poster presentations and maps created with ArcGIS Online.

Nature, Art & Music

Fabulous Flora Hike - 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM

Join Chabot educators for a short, guided nature hike through neighboring Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Comfortable shoes and water recommended.

Live Music in the Courtyard

• 11:00 AM - Jewel Arianna (cosmic jazz + RnB)
• 1:00 PM - Jas Stade (art rock + folk)

Native Skies Star Stories - Time TBA | Observation Deck

Listen to stories of the sky and land shared by Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino, co-founders of mak-’amham/Café Ohlone, illuminating the living culture and philosophy of the Ohlone people.

Fuse: A Pop-Up Art Gallery - All Day | Mezzanine Experience the fusion of science and art in this limited-run gallery featuring works by local artist Ray Lewis and a collective of Bay Area poets.

Ongoing Experiences All Day

• Universe Unveiled Exhibit | Observation Deck
• Hands-On Science Demos | Observation Deck: Create constellations, explore “invisible” astronomy, and become a solar detective!

• Galaxy Photo Booth | AstroLight: Snap a pic with props and a glowing galaxy backdrop-tag @chabotspace
• Planetarium Shows | Hourly
• Fuse: A Pop-Up Art Gallery | Mezzanine: Fuse is a limited engagement pop-up experience that celebrates the fusion of art and science