Learn how to recognize the planets, constellations, stars, and other heavenly bodies that may be visible in the night sky over North Carolina.
This is a live star show. The presenter will display the night sky on the planetarium’s dome ceiling and take you on a tour, pointing out the stars, planets, and constellations that are visible in our area. Later, as you are walking along the beach on a clear night, you will be able to recognize by name the celestial sights you see.
Join this sensory experience unlike any other. Live lighting and laser effects accompany Taylor Swift hits heard through the area’s best sound system.
Curious about how to tell a venomous from a non-venomous snake? This summer, local reptile expert Matthew Bookout will teach you how to differentiate venomous from non-venomous serpents – useful knowledge to have when you come across one in your back yard. He will also share tips about caring for snakes and talk about which reptiles make the best pets. Bookout will bring several live snakes to his program each week so that you can see them up close and personal.
Matthew Bookout has been fascinated with reptiles for most of his life and acquired his first snake at 13 years old. He says, “I drove my Mom crazy with snakes and frogs running through the house after they crawled out of shoeboxes from under my bed.” With a wealth of knowledge about venomous and non-venomous snake species, Bookout wows visitors with his unique personal collection of snakes. As the local business owner of Ophidian’s Lair, he takes care of and feeds the Museum’s live venomous and non-venomous snakes.
Join this sensory experience unlike any other. Live lighting and laser effects accompany classic 80s hits from the show, Stranger Things, heard through the area’s best sound system.
On summer vacation at her grandpa’s, Mia discovers a mysterious piece of astronomical machinery. Edek, Mia’s eccentric uncle, tricks the girl into using the tool’s secret powers to change the world’s seasons. She quickly realizes the consequences of what they are going to do. Edek doesn’t want to let the plan go.
You’re invited to get up close with some of the more familiar creatures found in our ocean.
Our touch tank pool allows you to gently touch marine animals such as sea stars, sea urchins, whelks, horseshoe crabs, and hermit crabs. These animals live in a variety of habitats and have developed many ways to survive the waves and predators. Volunteers are on hand to assist and teach you about these incredible animals.
Did you know, when a sea urchin “hugs” your finger if you gently touch its spines, it’s actually checking you out: Are you food or predator? If you’re neither, the animal will just gradually release you.
You’re invited to get up close with some of the more familiar creatures found in our ocean.
Our touch tank pool allows you to gently touch marine animals such as sea stars, sea urchins, whelks, horseshoe crabs, and hermit crabs. These animals live in a variety of habitats and have developed many ways to survive the waves and predators. Volunteers are on hand to assist and teach you about these incredible animals.
Did you know, when a sea urchin “hugs” your finger if you gently touch its spines, it’s actually checking you out: Are you food or predator? If you’re neither, the animal will just gradually release you.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Chichén Itzá, Mexico. Listen to the story of the ancient Maya civilization. Experience Tales of the Maya Skies.
Explore Maya science, art and mythology. Tales of the Maya Skies inspires and educates through its description of the Maya’s astronomical achievements and how astronomy connected them to the Universe.
Strap on a virtual reality (VR) headset and get a 360-degree view of the ocean. Dive with fish, sharks, turtles, and more to learn about these amazing animals and their habitat.
Our Science in 3D exhibit uses a virtual reality mobile classroom to bring this exciting experience to you! Through VR technology, explore a virtual science laboratory that brings the real world into the lab and teaches the process of science. On Mondays and Fridays in the summer, Science in 3D will take you under the sea to explore the ocean and all the unique creatures found within it.
Memorial Day through Labor Day Science in 3D: Ocean Explorer is offered every Monday and Friday at 1:00 pm. The Science in 3D program is hosted by Education Manager Jamie Justice, who will help launch each VR adventure and answer questions about the experience. This program is not recommended for children under 8 or people who experience motion sickness.