Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Celebrate International Astronomy Day at The Franklin Institute. Spend the day unlocking the mysteries of the universe across four floors of out-of-this-world experiences, including the two-story Wondrous Space exhibit, The Fels Planetarium, and the Holt & Miller Observatory.
Featured Programming:
- Solar Viewing in Science Park: Safely view the sun with telescopes and custom solar-viewing tents.
- Space Suit Show: Do you have what it takes to visit space, or at least dress the part? Learn the ins and outs of a space suit to prepare you for your future travels.
- Explosive Trash Can Rocket Launch Finale: See science performers launch a 40-gallon trash can into the sky using our favorite ingredient, liquid nitrogen.
- Launch bottle rockets with UPenn Physics in Science Park.
- Explore cosmic rays, try on Antarctic cold-weather gear, and interact with a light sensor like the 5,000+ sensors now detecting particles deep in the Antarctic ice, with Drexel University’s Department of Physics, HERA, and IceCube.
- Special Guest: Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts
The Franklin Institute is proud to participate in International Astronomy Day 2026, a day dedicated to promoting interest in astronomy and providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the beauty, mystery, and inspiration of the universe.
Outdoor programming is weather permitting.
Members Only Planetarium Show
Fels Planetarium | April 25 | 1:15 pm
Celebrate International Astronomy Day with an exclusive Planetarium show with our Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts.
Step into The Sky Tonight show for a special experience designed just for our members and explore the universe in a whole new way.
