ExtraOrdinary! FestivalCome enjoy the summer’s most imaginative and playful exhibition! Be among the first to experience ExtraOrdinary! and the stunning artworks made from everyday objects. Don't forget to bring out your inner artist-scientist with our fun programs for all ages: tinker with cardboard and add to a collective creation, join a ...
The Chinese ComputerHow can Chinese - a language with tens of thousands of characters and no alphabet - be input on a QWERTY keyboard with only a few dozen keys?In his new book, The Chinese Computer, Stanford professor Thomas Mullaney dissects the history and evolution of Chinese language computing technology and explores ...
Ocean warming caused by climate change influences the expansion of areas of low oxygen concentration in the deep sea. This could threaten cold-water corals (CWC), important ecosystem engineers. The Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) has one of the world’s most pronounced oxygen minimum zones (OMZ) as well as some of the ...
Where: Cost: Free
Solstice Guided HikeIt's officially, finally summer! The longest day of the year, June 20th marks the summer solstice, or the astronomical change from spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Around the world, cultures celebrate the extra light and seasonal cycle with time outside from dawn to dusk. Also, our newest federal holiday is June 19th celebrating ...
Where: Mill ValleyCost: Free
A Cosmic shadow theater: How galaxy silhouettes reveal their dark sideThe afterglow from the Big Bang, the "cosmic microwave background", acts as the backlight in a shadow theater where galaxies are the protagonists. The resulting galaxy shadows contain unique information about the invisible components of galaxies, such as their cold gas and dark matter, which hold clues to the nature ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Nerd Nite SF#143: Felines, Freedom, and Fairies Come one, come all to our Juneteenth show on (when else?) Wednesday, June 19th. We’ll be celebrating Black nerds in the Bay Area and their brilliant talks about the ecological chaos caused by domestic cats, the Blackness of birds, and the incredible legacy of the movie FernGully. Join us!Tyus Williams ...
Jessica Burton is a Master's Candidate in Biology at California State University, Long Beach where she is studying artificial habitat supplementation for the light-footed Ridgway's Rail. She received a Bachelor's of Science in Biology from Illinois Wesleyan University. She is currently a Wildlife Biologist at the Santa Ana Watershed Association ...
Where: Cost: Free
SETI Live: More Active Volcanoes on Venus! - LivestreamIn 2023, scientists analyzed archival data from NASA's Magellan mission, which mapped the surface of our "twin" planet, Venus. They discovered evidence of a recent volcanic eruption on the world's surface by comparing the Magellan images over time. Now, a team of Italian scientists has found evidence for two more ...
Where: Cost: Free
Thursday, 06/20/24
Solstice Morning Hike with Mia MonroeIt's officially, finally summer! The longest day of the year, June 20th marks the summer solstice, or the astronomical change from spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Around the world, cultures celebrate the extra light and seasonal cycle with time outside from dawn to dusk. At our park, we're celebrating all weekend!Kick off ...
Where: Mill ValleyCost: Free
Snapshot Cal Coast - Point Molate Intertidal BioblitzJoin Wholly H2O and the Point Molate Alliance in support of California Academy of Sciences' Snapshot Cal Coast intertidalfor a fun-filled exploration of Point Molate! Get ready to have tons of fun documenting local flora and fauna by observing and capturing the wildlife at Point Molate. Check out iNaturalist page ...
In this fun, unique Birdy Hour, artist Anastasia Nguyen will teach you how to paint a beautiful bird in watercolor! She will be using the winning photos from the “Art Category†of the May 25th, 2024, Spring Bird Photo Big Day as references for the artwork, so you will learn ...
Where: Cost: Free
After Dark: Summer SolsticeOn Summer Solstice, our galleries will be as lit as the day outside. Encounter the ExtraOrdinary with our special exhibition that turns everyday objects into stunning artworks, and enjoy breathtaking waterfront views at our Observatory. Come celebrate the longest day of the year at After Dark, and discover something new ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $19.95 General, Free for members
NightLife: InkedInked is back at NightLife! Explore the wonders of ink from cephalopods to live tattoos - yes, the real kind!
Where: San FranciscoCost: Varies
Serendipity and Salt Ponds - LivestreamCalifornia experienced rapid and widespread destruction and modification of natural hydrological ecosystems and wetlands after the Gold Rush, including the loss of nearly all tidal wetlands in San Francisco Bay, many of which were converted to commercial salt production ponds. The South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project is now restoring ...
The discovery of new ceramic materials containing Ba-La-Cu oxides in 1986 exhibiting superconductive properties at high temperatures (35 K or higher), opened a new world of opportunities for NMRs and MRIs to move away from liquid cryogens, recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1987. A prototype 400 MHz ...
Where: Cost: Free
Saturday, 06/22/24
NASA Fest at ChabotHow do you organize a space party? You plan-et! Join us at Chabot for two days of astronomical fun for the whole family! Step into the shoes of a NASA engineer, discover and play with real world space tech, design and test your own Rovers, and hear from extraordinary guest ...
Where: OaklandCost: $30 Adult, $25 Youth/Sr, $15 Member Adult
Join us to celebrate the whimsy, color and talent of local artist, Neha Kabade. We kick off the exhibit of her work at the EcoCenter with a fun reception featuring the artist’s works and a chance to ask her questions about her process. Light refreshments will be served. Registration through ...
Where: Palo AltoCost:
Bair Island Walking TourJoin Peninsula Open Space Trust for a walking tour at Bair Island! You’ll be guided by POST ambassadors who will share the history of this beautiful protected space, information about the species that live there, and what you can do to contribute.This easy 1 mile walk with little to no ...
Where: Redwood CityCost: Free
Planet Italy: Adventures in Teaching and LearningDuring 2023 Italy had a record 68 million visitors. That spring, one of them was Andy Kreyche of Santa Cruz, but his visit was far from typical. As a planetarium educator, Andy was selected to take part in a program to teach astronomy lessons to high school students in different ...
Where: OaklandCost: Free
Sunday, 06/23/24
NASA Fest at ChabotHow do you organize a space party? You plan-et! Join us at Chabot for two days of astronomical fun for the whole family! Step into the shoes of a NASA engineer, discover and play with real world space tech, design and test your own Rovers, and hear from extraordinary guest ...
Where: OaklandCost: $30 Adult, $25 Youth/Sr, $15 Member Adult
Solstice Guided HikeIt's officially, finally summer! The longest day of the year, June 20th marks the summer solstice, or the astronomical change from spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Around the world, cultures celebrate the extra light and seasonal cycle with time outside from dawn to dusk. Also, our newest federal holiday is June 19th celebrating ...
Where: Mill ValleyCost: Free
The Rhythms of Summer: From the Solstice to Steel DrumsFeel the warmth of the sun and sand between your toes at our outdoor science party! Learn about the longest day of sunshine and enjoy a steel drum performance by the Dans of Steel with special guests. Ohlone educators will teach you how to make and float tule boats on ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Event is included with admission
Join us in person for a fascinating conversation with Garry Nolan, a cancer researcher at Stanford School of Medicine, whose scientific research interests extend to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP).The study of the unknown starts with an observation of nature that begs explanation. Science as a template for exploring nature, or ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, $10 Members in person, $5/free online
Where: OaklandCost: $19.50 General, $18.50 Senior/Disabled
Tuesday, 06/25/24
Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Medicine & Health Care Is HereArtificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing the scientific understanding of disease, improving the practice of clinical medicine, and orchestrating the delivery of health care. Join Stanford Medicine for a discussion on the transformative effects of AI on medicine and health care, and to hear how we are using AI responsibly for ...
Methane, the primary constituent of natural gas, is the second most significant anthropogenic greenhouse gas. Recent advancements in remote sensing technologies have yielded new datasets that address critical questions about methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. In this talk, I will present three interconnected projects. The first project ...
We will be joined by Dr. Anthony Fauci to discuss his new book, On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service! He'll share stories from his work in government, answer questions from the audience, and give us the ins and outs of the life of America's most famous doctor.Book is ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $40 in person with book, $5 online without book
As poet Carl Sandburg observed: "The fog comes on little cat feet. It sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches, and then moves on." What is the nature of The City's renowned Karl the Fog? Do those super-fine droplets consist of more than just water? Why does our ...
Gliese 12 B: A Promising Earth-to-Venus-Sized Exoplanet - LivestreamWhen scientists found the first exoplanets over 30 years ago, the discovery defied all expectations. In the following decades, with the advent of NASA's Kepler and TESS missions and numerous ground-based observatories, the exoplanet count has risen to nearly 6,000 confirmed worlds and some 7,200 candidates. Press releases on newly ...
Where: Cost: Free
Astronomy on Tap Baton Rouge - LivestreamCelebrating 25 Years of the Chandra X-ray Observatory: From Fierce Planets to Fierce AstrophysicsSpeaker: Dr. Rob Hynes, Louisiana State UniversityFrozen Fierce: The Cold and Lonely Planets That Will be Found by the Nancy Grace Roman TelescopeSpeaker: Dr. Matt Penny, Louisiana State UniversityWatch the talks here
Where: Cost: Free
Hearts and Minds: Rebuilding Respect for Science Through Engaging Science Communication - LivestreamThe American public is increasingly skeptical of experts, including scientists, healthcare professionals, and other researchers. Many experts respond by sharing more facts and information and/or bemoaning the lack of science literacy. Laura Lindenfeld believes there is another, more effective way to rebuild public trust in science and research.Join Skeptical Inquirer ...
Where: Cost: Free
Science on Tap: Backyard Predators - Coexistence in the Urban-Wildland InterfaceIt’s a fact we’re all well aware of: human settlements don’t exist in a vacuum, no matter where we are, there will always be wildlife to interact with. As we’ve adapted to living in ecosystems so has wildlife, at times to their benefit and at others to their detriment. Join ...
Where: Pacific GroveCost: $20 General, $15 Members, Free for Students
After Dark: PrideKick off Pride weekend at After Dark! We embrace the full spectrum of sci-curious and art-oriented folks. Come play with our 650+ exhibits, grab a drink, and enjoy a roof-raising music set from the 2024 Pride Grand Marshal Tory Teasley!
Where: San FranciscoCost: $19.95 General, Free for members
PRIDE NightLifeCelebrate the LGBTQ+ community with a night dedicated to community, activism, and joy. Featuring drag by Oaklash.
The Perseverance Rover has spent three years exploring the Jezero Crater on Mars. After exploring the crater floor, Perseverance is now exploring the Delta and working its way to the crater rim.Speaker: Kim Steadman, NASA Jet Propulsion LaboratorySee weblink for links to watch on YouTube
Where: Cost: Free
Making News: How Tech Shapes Journalism and SocietyToday, journalism, technology, and political polarization are profoundly changing one another - and us. But this is far from the first time these forces have collided. What lessons does history hold? Before the rise of the web and social media, cable television introduced a profit-driven news industry with dramatic consequences for ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
Friday, 06/28/24
Coastal Walk at Cowell-Purisima TrailJoin Peninsula Open Space Trust for a beautiful walk along the Cowell-Purisima trail that POST helped create by protecting adjacent farmland. While it may be foggy, we hope to catch gorgeous views of the ocean, nearby farmland, and glimpses of harbor seals, pelicans, hawks, rabbits, and whales during the winter ...
 Speaker: Dr. Stefano Valenti is an Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy at UC Davis. He received his Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Ferrara, Italy in 2008. Before joining UC Davis, he was an assistant project scientist at UC Santa Barbara and the Los Cumbres Observatory and was ...
Where: Mt. HamiltonCost: $29 General
Saturday, 06/29/24
Asteroid DayEmbark on a voyage through the asteroid belt with us for the 9th annual Asteroid Day! In Partnership with the B612 Foundation, delve into the fascinating world of these space rocks with expert-led talks and captivating demonstrations. Learn about global efforts to highlight asteroid detection, cutting-edge asteroid research, as well ...
Where: OaklandCost: $24 General, $19 Kids, Srs. Students, Free Members
T. REX 3D PremiereShowtimes at 11:00 a.m., 1:00, & 3:00 p.m.Be the first to see a brand-new 3D film about the king of dinosaurs! We’re rolling out the red carpet for T. REX 3D, which reimagines our understanding of the legendary Tyrannosaurus rex through pioneering visual effects and work with top scientists and ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $5 + $20 admission to the science center
Stewardship Saturday: Protecting Our Oceans Day and NightJoin DarkSky International’s Santa Cruz Chapter, Natural Bridges State Beach’s Interpretive Team, and The Marine Mammal Center as we explore ways to protect our beaches, oceans, and marine life during daylight and nighttime hours. Protection doesn’t stop when we close our eyes, and there is a lot we can do ...
Each year Lick Observatory brings world-renown musicians and astronomers to the summit of Mount Hamilton for a musical night to remember.The event activities include:ConcertAstronomy talk by world-renowned scientistsViewing through the historic 36-inch Great Lick Refractor telescopeViewing through the 40-inch Nickel Reflector telescopeAstronomy discussions with amateur astronomers and viewing through small ...
Where: Mt. HamiltonCost: $60 General, $99 Preferred, $129 Preferred+
Binocular Stargazing at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve Binocular Stargazing is hosted by the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority with help from members of the San Jose Astronomical Association.Want to learn the night sky? Want to see the Milky Way and the stars contained in it? Did you know that you don’t need to spend a ton ...
Where: Morgan HillCost: Free
Starry Nights Star PartyThe San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA), working with the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority (OSA), is glad to co-host a public star party at Rancho Canada del Oro (RCDO) Open Space Preserve. This site, just 30 minutes south of downtown San Jose, features dark skies. It's dark enough to ...
Where: Morgan HillCost: Free
Sunday, 06/30/24
Wrong Answers Only at The IndependentDark matter expert Risa Wechsler joins host Chris Duffy and an incredible panel of comedians for this science comedy game show!Produced by LabX, a public engagement program at the National Academy of Sciences, Wrong Answers Only is science comedy game show featuring celebrity guests who play games and quizzes while ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $25 Advance, $30 at the door
The first human mission to Mars will be humanity’s greatest adventure in space exploration this century. As with all expeditions, its success depends on planning. The first steps are already under way, as we build more efficient rockets, achieve longer space flights, plan our return to the Moon, and work ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General, $12 Members & Seniors
Friday, 07/05/24
First Friday: GlowReady, set… GLOW! First Fridays are back at Chabot and we can’t wait to party with you! This month, join us under the stars for an electrifying evening of neon nebulae and glowing galaxies. Explore the mysteries of the universe as you immerse yourself in integrative exhibits, hands on activities ...
Where: OaklandCost: $15 Adults, $10 Kids/Seniors, $5 Members
Astro 101: Sights of the Cosmos, Intro to AstronomyThis event provides a different introduction to astronomy than our Intro to the Night Sky talks. During this hour, you'll gain an appreciation for the size and scale of the cosmos and our place within it. You'll see many examples of the beautiful objects visible in the night sky, learn ...
Where: San JoseCost: Free
In Town Star PartyCome join San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) for an evening of stargazing.Event details:Events are held at the parking lot of our headquarters, Houge Park San Jose. The event duration is 2 hours. SJAA volunteers will share night sky views from their telescopes.Please refrain from bringing your own telescopes (Binoculars are ...
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Saturday, 07/06/24
Nike Missile Site Veteran Open HouseVeterans of the Nike program come to the site to share their stories with visitors and give guided tours of SF88 between the hours of 12pm - 3pm The SF-88 Nike Missile Site is the most fully restored Nike missile site in the country. During the tense years of the Cold War, from ...
Where: Mill ValleyCost: Free
Sunday, 07/07/24
Morning Hike at Skyline Ridge Open Space PreserveJoin POST for this guided hike at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve! A POST Representative will share a few words about POST’s decades of conservation success before hiking groups leave to explore a moderate to strenuous 4.5 mile hike with 800 feet of elevation gain.POST has made many contributions towards ...
Where: Los AltosCost: Free
Five Dollar Day at The Lawrence Hall of ScienceVisit The Lawrence and enjoy all the hands-on science we offer for just $5 per person. Put your engineering and design skills to the test, take control of the Planetarium dome, meet live reptiles and amphibians in our Animal Discovery Zone, and more! $5 Days are part of our efforts ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $5
Why Tides MatterJoin us to learn about all things tides. What are they? How do they affect wildlife? How have humans reshaped the Bay's tidal lands?This program starts in our covered, open-air pavilion at the Environmental Education Center of the Don Edwards SF Bay NWR and will be followed by an easy ...
Where: AlvisoCost: Free
Tuesday, 07/09/24
The Science Behind 'Inside Out 2' - LivestreamJoin us to explore the science behind Pixar’s highly anticipated new film, Inside Out 2, and delve into the complexities of emotion and the teenage brain.This illuminating one-hour event will feature a conversation with GGSC Faculty Director Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., and Lisa Damour, Ph.D., who both served as scientific consultants ...
The Wood Lab of Avian and Urban Ecology at Cal State L.A. is a group of conservation-minded individuals who work to understand the effects of global and environmental change on biodiversity. In his Birdy Hour presentation, Dr. Wood will share about the group's research - which is centered on terrestrial ...
Speculative fiction authors predicate their stories on creative “what-if†questions. Ray Nayler will demonstrate the close relationship of this process to scientific thinking. Using examples from his debut novel The Mountain in the Sea, Ray will discuss how he used a “what-if†question - “what if a species of octopus ...
Where: Cost: Free
New Directions in Property TestingProperty testing algorithms seek to determine whether an unknown massive object has some particular property of interest, or is “far†from having the property, while inspecting only a tiny portion of the object. Recent years have witnessed significant progress on both classic property testing problems and the development of several ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Thursday, 07/11/24
Twists and Turns in Teaching Evolution - LivestreamMultiple controversies over the teaching of evolution in public schools have rocked the nation over the past century. Evolution’s foes have consistently used the same arguments, but their ambitions have shifted: from outright banning the teaching of evolution to “balancing†it with a supposed alternative to blunting it through claims ...
Where: Cost: Free
After Dark: See for YourselfUpend your perception this Thursday night at After Dark! Shoes become faces, cardboard whispers, and LEGO - pieces are the stuff of legends in our special exhibition ExtraOrdinary!. Bring your friends to decipher the secret behind Building Blocks and make new ones at Bamboo Weaving Star. Plus, hands-on workshops where ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $19.95 General, Free for members
Making Cancer Non-lethal in Our LifetimeWhat will it take to make cancer non-lethal in our lifetime? What advancements in medical research are underway to achieve this goal and what are we still working to discover about the "emperor of all maladies"? Joining us at Manny's to discuss his work in the field and goals for ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General
NightLifeConGear up for the first ever NightLifeCon! Featuring all things anime, comics, and sci-fi.
Where: San FranciscoCost: Varies
Multimedia Forensics: Challenges and Opportunities in the Era of Large Models - LivestreamWith the implementation and wide application of related tools such as ChatGPT and Sora, people realized that seeing is indeed no longer believing. More recently, the emergence of diffusion models with powerful generation capabilities has driven this topic forward. Subsequently, as the powerful tools for deepfake generation, corresponding detection technologies ...
Nour Skaf is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University of California, Santa Cruz in the Astronomy & Astrophysics Department with a focus in instrumentation and data analysis for exoplanet direct imaging. She received her PhD in exoplanet science in 2023 from Observatoire de Paris. Her PhD research was a cooperative effort ...
Where: Mt. HamiltonCost: $29 General
Saturday, 07/13/24
BioBlitz at Coyote Creek Visitor CenterA BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. At a BioBlitz, scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and ...
Human minds love to discover patterns, to find intuitive explanations, and, most of all, to be certain. Yet our world is complicated and filled with randomness. Statistical thinking provides us with practical tools for making sense of an uncertain world. It can lead us to make surprising conclusions from the ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Perils of Plastic Foodware and the Path to Healthier MaterialsCome join us for an eye-opening event with Sue Chiang! Learn about the dangers of plastics in our foodware and discover the journey towards healthier materials. Sue Chiang will share valuable insights and tips on how to make better choices for your health and the environment. Don't miss out on ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Twilight Tales at the RefugeJoin us on a summer evening at the refuge in Alviso to hear tales of rails, tales of tails, and tales of gold, silver, and … garbage. You’ll learn why the refuge was created and why it is so important to all of us. Then as the sun sets, you’ll ...
Where: AlvisoCost: 0
City Public Star PartyCome join the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers for free public stargazing of the Moon, planets, globular clusters and more!The event will take place in Tunnel Tops National Park, parking is located adjacent to Picnic Place (210 Lincoln Blvd for GPS) with the telescopes setup in the East Meadow.Dress warmly as conditions ...
Each year Lick Observatory brings world-renown musicians and astronomers to the summit of Mount Hamilton for a musical night to remember.The event activities include:ConcertAstronomy talk by world-renowned scientistsViewing through the historic 36-inch Great Lick Refractor telescopeViewing through the 40-inch Nickel Reflector telescopeAstronomy discussions with amateur astronomers and viewing through small ...
Where: Mt. HamiltonCost: $60 General, $99 Preferred, $129 Preferred+
Foothills Family Nature WalkEnvironmental Volunteers’ Family Nature Walks program is designed to help community members get to know our local open space areas. Small groups will be guided by a knowledgeable environmental educator during an exploration of a local open space. These small groups will be introduced to fun nature-based activities, and a ...
Where: Los AltosCost: Free
Sunday, 07/14/24
Volunteer Opportunity: Trail Maintenance Work Day at the EECHelp us with some trail maintenance around the Environmental Education Center! Activities may include weeding, litter pickup, or spreading gravel. All gloves and tools will be provided, so just make sure to dress comfortably and bring a can-do attitude. Please arrive promptly at 9:20am to allow time for check-in before ...
Where: AlvisoCost: Free
The Lawrence CarnivalStep right up to our pop-up boardwalk for a science carnival! Ooh and ahh as acrobats from Oakland’s own Les Aerielles soar through the air in a trapeze arts performance. Then, try your hand at a series of carnival games and win prizes. Finally, learn the science behind your favorite ...
It’s there for us year round, lighting our days and providing energy for our lives, so maybe it’s time to give it a closer look. Join SJAA for amazing and detailed views of the Sun, and be assured that we’ll be using special telescopes that will keep your eyeballs perfectly ...
Coral reefs are diverse, productive and valuable but highly threatened by global change stressors. My research group seeks creative ways to leverage microbial symbionts and trophic interactions to improve coral and reef health. This talk will describe these efforts and associated challenges, with a particular focus on the roles and ...
Alzheimer’s is a global health problem, with nearly 7 million people living with the disease in the United States alone. Tremendous gains have been made in the understanding of the science and basic biology underlying Alzheimer’s and other dementias. These advances are leading to great strides in strategies for prevention, ...
Program (the order of the speakers might change): Patricia Alessandrini (Stanford) on "Ada's Song: Artistic Research in Robotics from a (Cyber)Feminist Perspective" Alessandrini will speak about her work as a composer/sound artist, from the design of interfaces and instruments for inclusive performance to the development of the Piano ...
