Astronomy

Early Spring Star Tour

Stars are born, live for eons, and explode in a colorful display of gas & light.

At this time of the year, the night sky is in transition. Although the winter constellations are still on prominent display, they are slowly making their way offstage to the west. Meanwhile, the stars of early spring are entering from the east. What causes this seasonal variation, what are some of the better known stars and constellations, and what celestial treasures are there for you to enjoy through a telescope? This evening's program is intended to help you find out.

When: 
Saturday, March 29, 2014 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Astronomy Observation Night at Salem State

Join the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club at Salem State University

Ever wonder what you are actually seeing when you look into the night sky? Head to the Collins Observatory on the roof of Meier Hall at Salem State University for a free night of star-and-planet gazing with the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club to find out. Collins Observatory is normally open on CLEAR, or MOSTLY CLEAR Monday nights from 7-10 PM.

When: 
Mondays through February 24, 2014 at 7pm
No sessions when shool is on vacation!

The GOES-R Weather Satellite

Learn about the new NASA/NOAA satellite for measuring space and planet weather!

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary invites you to come learn about NASA's and NOAA's newest weather monitoring system due for launch in 2015! The evening's program will be an introduction to our nation's next generation of geosynchronous environmental satellites, as described by a member of the GOES-R Ground Segment team.

When: 
Saturday, November 9, 2013 7:30-9 pm

GAAC 10th Anniversary Party

The GAAC invites you to discover the the world of Astronomy on Cape Ann!

The Gloucester Area Astronomy Club celebrates their 10th Anniversary in October 2013! Come discover the wonder of the night sky on Cape Ann, and celebrate this milestone occasion! The evening will begin at 8:00 pm, and will feature a series of quick 10 minute talks by a parade of speakers, on topics ranging from trans-neptunian objects to the ten best things to see on the moon, from a selection of favorite astrophotos to the presence of water in the cosmos. Speakers will include young Clark Thakuria, Jim Koerth, Barry Yomtov, Alan Winter, Dr. Bill Waller, and a couple of surprise guests to boot. 

When: 
Friday, October 11, 2013 8pm

An Introduction to Amateur Astronomy

The GAAC invites you to discover the the world of Astronomy

The Gloucester Area Astronomy Club invites you to a presentation on the benefits of taking up astronomy! Come learn about the telescopes, how to use them and where to buy them. This presentation is geared toward the general public and is meant to be an orientation for first time astronomers or people who want to up their game.

When: 
Friday, March 8, 2013 8pm

Big Bird's Adventure: One World, One Sky

Big Bird and Elmo introduce kids to the stars at the Museum of Scinece Boston!

The Museum of Science hosts a special planetarium presentation geared to engage kids ages 6 and under in the world of Astronomy! Elmo and Big Bird team up to introduce young children to the start in Big Bird's Adventure: One World, One Sky at the Hayden Planetarium in Boston! Follow along with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, as they take you on a journey of discovery to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun, and the Moon.

When: 
Saturdays through April 6, 2013 10:30am or 1:30pm
Sundays through April 7, 2013 10:30am or 12:30pm

The Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis seen over Winnepeg Canada from the NASA's ISS

This evening's program will focus on the northern lights, what causes them, and when and how to observe and photograph them. You will learn how to use the Internet to track their activity so that you can determine on your own when observing opportunities will arise. Do not expect to view them on the evening of the program.

When: 
Saturday, November 10, 2012 7:30-9 pm

Venus Transit Viewing at Halibut Point

Veiw the 2012 Venus Transit with the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club

Come to Halibut Point State Park to enjoy a wonderful sunset at the ocean's edge, and to witness a rare astronomical event with the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club. Weather permitting, Gloucester Area Astronomy Club will make their equipment available to the general public for viewing the 2012 Venus Transit. Come for a quick look or stay for the entire show!  Either way you experience a rare natural phenomena in a beautiful waterfront setting! Setup begins at 5pm, and the transit will begin ~6:03pm.

When: 
Tuesday, June 5, 2012, 5pm-Sunset

An Introduction to the Moon at IRWS

View the Moon through a telescope at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Undoubtedly, one of the fondest memories anyone can have in astronomy is the moment an individual takes in a first view of the Moon through a telescope. You know, of course, that its surface is covered with craters. But did you also know that there are mountains, valleys, and more exotic features?  Join North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary for a close up look

When: 
Saturday, April 28, 2012 7:30-9pm

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Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School

Pingree School in Hmailton Massachusetts hosts their annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture exhibit each Fall. Sculpture: Phoenix by Robin Tost.
Pingree School hosts the 16th annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on their campus in South Hamilton, Massachusetts .
8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour

Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a self guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
This self-guided walking tour is designed to help explain the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. After more than three centuries of storytelling through countless books, movies, and television shows, the line between historical fact and dramatic fiction has become increasingly blurred....
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Crescent Farm Corn Maze

Crescent Farm corn maze in Haverhill Massachusetts
Imagine the biggest puzzle you’ve ever seen. Now imagine a day in the sunshine with your friends or family. Now add an adventure that takes teamwork and memory skills. All these things and more can be found at Crescent Farms Corn Maze. Crescent Farm Corn Maze trails cut into 9 acres of corn. Inside...
9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Haunted Happenings Marketplace

The Haunted Happenings Marketplace runs Thursdays-Sundays during October in Salem Massachusetts
The Haunted Happenings Merchant Marketplace is coming this October! Get ready for a one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza throughout Historic (and some say haunted) Downtown Salem!
10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Marini Farm Corn Maze

The 2025 Marini Farm Corn Maze in Ipswich Massachusetts is themed for The Wizard of Oz
Come to Marini Farm for a fun journey through our corn maze! The Maze Park, corn maze, farm stand, bakery and other attractions provide a great destination for kids birthday parties, school trips, corporate team building, scout outings, and family activities. Marini Farm is located in beautiful...
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Topsfield Fair

Topsfield Fair is one of the longest running annual fairs in the United States
The Topsfield Fair is a perennial favorite for us.  We're not the biggest fans of the midway, although it is always worth a walkthrough and a ride or two.  We love fruits and vegetables, and are always on the lookout for the winning 'biggest pumpkin'.  Another favorite is checking out the pigs and...
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm

Halloween on the Hill

The Trustees host a celebration of Autumn and Halloween at Long Hill Sedgewick Gardens in Beverly Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to tour the gardens at Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts to celebrate Autumn and Halloween! Long Hill is excited to bring back our annual Halloween on the Hill event! Come explore our beautiful property as we transform the Long Hill gardens into a...
5:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Sunday, October 12

Topsfield Fair

Topsfield Fair is one of the longest running annual fairs in the United States
The Topsfield Fair is a perennial favorite for us.  We're not the biggest fans of the midway, although it is always worth a walkthrough and a ride or two.  We love fruits and vegetables, and are always on the lookout for the winning 'biggest pumpkin'.  Another favorite is checking out the pigs and...
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Haunted Happenings Marketplace

The Haunted Happenings Marketplace runs Thursdays-Sundays during October in Salem Massachusetts
The Haunted Happenings Merchant Marketplace is coming this October! Get ready for a one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza throughout Historic (and some say haunted) Downtown Salem!
10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Newburyport's Fall Festival

The Newburyport Fall Festival is a tradition filled with family fun on the waterfront in Massachusetts
Come to downtown Newburyport's Annual Fall Festival hosted by the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce! Enjoy great food, live music, and family fun while celebrating autumn's arrival on the waterfront in downtown Newburyport Massachusetts.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Magtoberfest 2025

Celebrate Magtoberfest in charming Manolia Village, part of Gloucester Massachusetts.
The Magnolia Library invites you to join us for the best block party this side of the bridge! Music, Food Trucks, Makers Market, Kid Zone, Biergarten and more. Grab your family, friends, and come celebrate with your neighbors on Lexington Ave.
11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

Georgia Made This: Scavenger Coin Hunt

Georgia Wrenn was born and is being raised in the Witch City of Salem, Massachusetts, where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year.
Georgia's seventh annual Salem Gold Coin Hunt returns this October, courtesy of the Peabody Essex Museum! Each Saturday and Sunday throughout October, Georgia will release special clues at 12 noon through her Instagram page and the PEM's Instagram story. Those clues will help coin hunters narrow...
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
Join in on Sundays at 2:30 for STEAM Club for ages 5-11. Each week participants will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our NSCM staff! Every STEAM club session will see your kids participating in hands-on activities while exploring a new topic. Space is limited, please...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Halloween on the Hill

The Trustees host a celebration of Autumn and Halloween at Long Hill Sedgewick Gardens in Beverly Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to tour the gardens at Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts to celebrate Autumn and Halloween! Long Hill is excited to bring back our annual Halloween on the Hill event! Come explore our beautiful property as we transform the Long Hill gardens into a...
5:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Monday, October 13

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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