Explore the science of the solstice at the National Air and Space Museum, as part of Smithsonian's Solstice Saturday!
At the Museum in Washington, DC
Museum Hours: 10:00 am to 9:30 pm
Explore the science of the solstice with activities for all ages:
- Learn how the solstice works at a free planetarium show at 10:30 am.
- Use our solar telescopes to observe the Sun if the sky is clear from 12:00 - 3:00 pm.
- Discover why the Sun is a big deal during story time at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm.
- Celebrate 50 years of Apollo with a special exhibit of forgotten artifacts from Apollo 11, and make your plans for the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 on July 20.
- Learn about the Sun at sunset in our Exploring the Planets and Explore the Universe galleries, and view the latest space imagery of the Sun in our Space Hall.
Solstice Star Party: 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Keep the celestial festival going by joining us at our Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory, weather permitting. Use our historic 16” reflector telescope, and discover the secrets of Jupiter, king of the planets.
At the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia
Museum Hours: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Explore the science of the solstice with activities for all ages:
- Use our solar telescopes to observe the Sun if the sky is clear (12:00 to 3:00 pm)
- Learn why the Sun is our favorite star during story time at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm.
- Participate in a hands-on activity about the seasons throughout the day.