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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Summerquest Camp for kids aed 5-14 at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

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

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Kids can meet the barnyard animals and hear a story at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts.
Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our...
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Saturday, February 7

NSNP Saturday Srolls at Choate Farm

Come to Choate Farm in Danvers Massachusetts to learn some basic Winter Survival Skills with your family!
Do you and your family have what it takes to survive out in the wilderness?
10:00 am to 11:30 am

CraneExplorer: Valentine's Coastal Craft

Make Valentines crafts from materials that we find along the shore at the Trustees of Reservations Crane Estate in Ipswich, Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invites ages 12 and up to a valentine craft making workshop! This Valentine’s Day, give a gift from the sea! From seaweed pressings to shell collages, beach treasures make beautiful greetings and keepsakes. Join this workshop to learn fun craft ideas and make marine art...
10:00 am to 12:30 pm

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us this season. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place…
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Music and Movement at North Shore Children's Museum

North Shore, North Shore Childrens Museum in Peabody MA
Music and Movement with Marybeth Maes is an engaging music and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Marybeth brings her guitar and instruments for the children to use while they sing, dance, and play.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

Children's Maple in the Barnyard at Appleton Farms

Visit Appleton Farms' sugaring operation and learn about making maple sugar syrup!
Maple Season is here! This special program for ages 3-11 & their families will focus on the magic of maple from start to finish. We will discover this tradition by observing trees, tasting sap, learning the tools involved, and finally, tasting the sweet product. We will make sure to have time...
10:45 am to 3:00 pm

Bald Eagles in the Wild for Teens

Teens are invited to Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport Massachusetts to learn about eagles and their behaviors. Photo: Bill O'Connor
Head to the most popular spots to search for Bald Eagles. Learn how to spot an eagle in flight, observe their behaviors, and learn how to identify Bald Eagles at different stages of life. Use binoculars, field scopes, and bird guides. Stay active and warm with group challenges about wingspan and...
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Sunday, February 8

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

Salem's So Sweet Festival

Salem Massachusetts' retailers have some sweet surprises in store during the Salem's So Sweet Weekend Festival
Salem Main Streets and the Salem Chamber of Commerce invite you to come enjoy the annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival – a decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures, and Valentine’s Day shopping! Now in its 24th year, Salem’s So Sweet has become...
9:00 am to 10:00 pm

Watching the Coastal Edge at Halibut Point

Tour the WWII era observation tower at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts.
Meet at the Halibut Point State Park visitors center to learn about the role Halibut Point has played in America’s military history. One day after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, U.S.
11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Amesbury Winter Market

Amesbury Winter Market Daze at Barewolf Brewing January 11-February 8, 2026
Amesbury Market Daze is your friendly local community marketplace. We take pride in curating a marketplace that showcases local art and food from talented local artisans, chefs, farmers, creators and curators of surrounding Amesbury, Massachusetts. Join us throughout the year to curate and foster a...
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
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