Astronomy Day

Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10:00am - 5:00pm

With engaging hands-on activities from 10 AM - 2 PM

Calling all wanna-be astronauts, stargazers, and astronomy lovers of all ages! 

Join us for the return of “Astronomy Day” on Saturday, March 23, 2024. This family-friendly public program will feature astronomy-themed activities and demonstrations, astronomy-related Irene W. Pennington Planetarium shows, and BASF’s Kids’ Lab hands-on chemistry workshops. 

"Astronomy Day" will begin with Stargazing in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium at 10 AM, a live, presenter-led weekly program in which “young astronomers” can learn about the seasonal constellations currently viewable in our local nighttime sky, followed by 3-2-1 Liftoff!, a family-friendly show suitable for all ages sponsored by The Boo Grigsby Foundation. 

The Irene W. Pennington Planetarium will continue to present astronomy-related fulldome films throughout the day, such as In Saturn’s Rings, Forward to the Moon, Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, and the planetarium’s newest show: Supermassive Black Holes: Uncovering the Invisible. Shows in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium will run every hour on the hour until the museum closes at 5 PM.  

From 10 AM – 2 PM, LASM will host engaging activities facilitated by various community partners, including NASA Solar System Ambassador Linda Gauthier, NASA Solar System Ambassador Chris Fox, EBR Parish Library, BASF Pop-up Science, and the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society.

In addition to astronomy-themed activities, young scientists ages 6-12 and their accompanying adults are also invited to participate in BASF’s Kids’ Lab hands-on chemistry workshops at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. Each participant will receive a BASF branded tote bag that includes a lab apron and safety glasses.  

All “Astronomy Day” activities, unlimited Irene W. Pennington Planetarium shows, and BASF’s Kids’ Lab workshops are included in the price of general museum admission and free to LASM members.