ROCHESTER, NY—Skip town and light pollution and visit the Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC) Cumming Nature Center for star gazing, crafts, and more on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, from 5–10 p.m. This family-friendly, after-hours event will focus on the basics of astronomy and orient stargazers of all ages to telescopes, star charts, galaxies, and astronomical wonders.
On November 17, the night sky will be nearly moonless and free of planets, clearing the way for a breathtaking view of the Milky Way, the Summer Triangle, globular and open star clusters, nebulae, and even double stars. Generally, few people have seen the Milky Way due to excessive light pollution around population centers, but the Nature Center’s location in Naples offers a chance to view our galaxy in all its radiant glory.
Related Activities:
- Brownie constellations (frost a brownie and add it to the edible constellation map!)
- Hear stories about constellations
- Find constellations in the sky
- Use a telescope to look at star clusters, nebulae, and double stars
- Pizza will be available for purchase
This event is cloud or clear (like rain or shine). In the event of overcast skies, viewers will be able to stream the night sky in the Cumming Nature Center’s Riedman Theater (crafts and pizza will still be available). Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars and red lights (that feature on a flashlight that you may have wondered about).
Admission: RMSC members free; general public donation ($3 per person; $10 per family). Pre-registration is requested at www.rmsc.org or 585.374.6160. The Cumming Nature Center is located at 6472 Gulick Road, Naples, NY 14512.
The Cumming Nature Center is a dynamic, 900-acre environmental education facility that celebrates the unique landscape and culture of the Finger Lakes region through experiential learning opportunities and thoughtful exhibits. Educational programming at the Nature Center explores the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. These programs are designed to inspire innovative thinking among participants and provide them with the tools, knowledge and confidence to take action in the face of local, regional and global challenges. The preserve includes six miles of trails and countless opportunities to connect with the outdoors.
NOTE: With the exception of the Star Party, the Cumming Nature Center will be CLOSED Monday, Nov. 14–Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2017.
For additional information, contact Mare Millow, Marketing Communications Manager, RMSC, 585.697.1944, mmillow@rmsc.org.
Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) includes the Science Museum, Strasenburgh Planetarium and Cumming Nature Center. Offering experiences at the Museum with more than 200 interactive exhibits, Planetarium with a 65-foot dome and Nature Center on 900 acres, the RMSC stimulates community interest in exploration. In addition, the more than 1.2 million RMSC collection items tell the story of Rochester’s past including its rich history of innovation and invention. RMSC receives major funding from Monroe County, where it is one of the top three most visited attractions serving children and families. For more information about RMSC, visit https://rmsc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
