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!

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 Sunday, April 27

Talks & Presentations

• 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm Portable Planetarium Showings: Get comfortable in our mini portable Planetarium to enjoy original shows created by students in the Galaxy Explorer program
• 11:30 AM - Star Stories: For centuries, people have told stories about our skies.  Join us as we gather under the starlight with storyteller Doug Olsen to explore star myths from around the world
• 12:30 pm - The Sky Through Our Lens: It’s Hubble’s birthday! Join us in the Theater to say happy birthday to the Space Telescope responsible for some incredible images and scientific advancements, and enjoy a live panel discussion with the Bay Area amateur astrophotographers behind Chabot’s brand-new exhibit Universe Unveiled! Hear stories from behind the camera and discover how this practice at the intersection of art and science can help us to better understand our universe.
• 2:0 PM - Live Science: Solar Spotlight: Our entire lives literally 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.

• Digital Media Team - 10:15 AM | Theater: The Digital Media Team will feature live presentations of the video and graphic work Galaxy Explorers created this semester. Topics will include OSA recruitment material, astrophotography, scientific subjects, and much more!
• Astronomy Team - 1:30 PM | 2nd Floor Rotunda: The Astronomy Team has spent the last few months researching various celestial bodies and events. Their research showcase will display the results of imaging from MicroObservatory. Their posters will spotlight their images and research they did surrounding their chosen objects and events.

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

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