Events at this location

Explore deep space and see the wonders of the night sky like you never have before during Starry Night at NCMNS Contentnea Creek. One Friday each month we open our observatory and planetarium for all to enjoy. In the Chia-yu Li planetarium you will learn the prominent seasonal constellations and get an up-close look at some incredible deep space treasures. Following our time in the planetarium we will move to the Kitty and Max Joyner Observatory where you will see the wonders of the night sky with you own eyes through a huge 16-inch robotic telescope.

This event may be hampered or canceled by weather a variety of weather condition. Check our Website or our Facebook page the day of the event for details on weather conditions.

The Chia-yu Li Planetarium is open to the public on every second Saturday. Showtimes are at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. Each showtime will feature a different short-film documentary and run approximately 30 minutes. Face coverings are required while inside the planetarium.

11:00AM: TWO SMALL PIECES OF GLASS

Traces the history of the telescope from Galileo’s modifications to a spyglass, to the launch of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and the future of astronomy. It explores the wonder and discovery made by astronomers throughout the last 400 years.

All in-person programs will follow current state and federal health guidelines and apply a range of safety measures to mitigate health risks, including smaller class sizes, moving into larger rooms (if indoors), keeping participants a safe distance from each other and increasing sanitation efforts.

Please note that in-person programs are subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. A full refund would be provided in event of a cancellation.

The Chia-yu Li Planetarium is open to the public on every second Saturday. Showtimes are at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. Each showtime will feature a different short-film documentary and run approximately 30 minutes. Face coverings are required while inside the planetarium.

12:00PM: SEEING! A PHOTON’S JOURNEY ACROSS SPACE

Explore how high-energy astrophysics plays a key role in understanding the hot and violent nature of the universe. You will be taken on a journey through our own galaxy, revealing the hidden nature of neutron stars, supernova remnants, and stars like our Sun.

All in-person programs will follow current state and federal health guidelines and apply a range of safety measures to mitigate health risks, including smaller class sizes, moving into larger rooms (if indoors), keeping participants a safe distance from each other and increasing sanitation efforts.

Please note that in-person programs are subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. A full refund would be provided in event of a cancellation.

The Chia-yu Li Planetarium is open to the public on every second Saturday. Showtimes are at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. Each showtime will feature a different short-film documentary and run approximately 30 minutes. Face coverings are required while inside the planetarium.

1:00PM: FROM THE EARTH TO THE UNIVERSE

This stunning, 30-minute voyage through space and time conveys the Universe revealed to us by science. Viewers can revel in the splendor of the worlds in the Solar System, the colorful birthplaces of stars, the immensity of a myriad galaxies.

All in-person programs will follow current state and federal health guidelines and apply a range of safety measures to mitigate health risks, including smaller class sizes, moving into larger rooms (if indoors), keeping participants a safe distance from each other and increasing sanitation efforts.

Please note that in-person programs are subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. A full refund would be provided in event of a cancellation.

On the third Saturday of each month, we’ll be joined by Mother Nature herself, Mrs. Nancy Bray. Participants will enjoy a different engaging science lesson in nature each month, designed to get students and their parents thinking creatively about the world around them.

Time with Mother Nature was a favorite program for students participating in Outdoor Adventures in learning last fall and we are excited to offer this program free of charge. Lessons are designed for Elementary and Middle school-aged children but can be enjoyed by the whole family.

All in-person programs will follow current state and federal health guidelines and apply a range of safety measures to mitigate health risks, including smaller class sizes, moving into larger rooms (if indoors), keeping participants a safe distance from each other and increasing sanitation efforts.

Please note that in-person programs are subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. A full refund would be provided in event of a cancellation.

Every 4th Saturday of the month, we open our ponds for catch and release fishing from 10-2. At 11, we will offer a new program on pond aquatic life.
All programs are geared to elementary-aged students and can be fun for the whole family! A fishing pass is $5 and includes the cost of the program. Bring your own fishing equipment.

All in-person programs will follow current state and federal health guidelines and apply a range of safety measures to mitigate health risks, including smaller class sizes, moving into larger rooms (if indoors), keeping participants a safe distance from each other and increasing sanitation efforts. Please note that in-person programs are subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. A full refund would be provided in event of a cancellation.

On the third Saturday of each month, we’ll be joined by Mother Nature herself, Mrs. Nancy Bray. Participants will enjoy a different engaging science lesson in nature each month, designed to get students and their parents thinking creatively about the world around them.

Time with Mother Nature was a favorite program for students participating in Outdoor Adventures in learning last fall and we are excited to offer this program free of charge. Lessons are designed for Elementary and Middle school-aged children but can be enjoyed by the whole family.

All in-person programs will follow current state and federal health guidelines and apply a range of safety measures to mitigate health risks, including smaller class sizes, moving into larger rooms (if indoors), keeping participants a safe distance from each other and increasing sanitation efforts.

Please note that in-person programs are subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. A full refund would be provided in event of a cancellation.

On the third Saturday of each month, we’ll be joined by Mother Nature herself, Mrs. Nancy Bray. Participants will enjoy a different engaging science lesson in nature each month, designed to get students and their parents thinking creatively about the world around them.

Time with Mother Nature was a favorite program for students participating in Outdoor Adventures in learning last fall and we are excited to offer this program free of charge. Lessons are designed for Elementary and Middle school-aged children but can be enjoyed by the whole family.

All in-person programs will follow current state and federal health guidelines and apply a range of safety measures to mitigate health risks, including smaller class sizes, moving into larger rooms (if indoors), keeping participants a safe distance from each other and increasing sanitation efforts.

Please note that in-person programs are subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. A full refund would be provided in event of a cancellation.

On the third Saturday of each month, we’ll be joined by Mother Nature herself, Mrs. Nancy Bray. Participants will enjoy a different engaging science lesson in nature each month, designed to get students and their parents thinking creatively about the world around them.

Time with Mother Nature was a favorite program for students participating in Outdoor Adventures in learning last fall and we are excited to offer this program free of charge. Lessons are designed for Elementary and Middle school-aged children but can be enjoyed by the whole family.

All in-person programs will follow current state and federal health guidelines and apply a range of safety measures to mitigate health risks, including smaller class sizes, moving into larger rooms (if indoors), keeping participants a safe distance from each other and increasing sanitation efforts.

Please note that in-person programs are subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. A full refund would be provided in event of a cancellation.