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All-ages, family-friendly$10 adults, $5 kids and seniors, and FREE for Members
Are we alone in the universe? Or could there be other forms of life out there, waiting far away in the vast expanse of space? Hear from researchers, astrobiologists and astronomers on the possibility of extraterrestrial life and distant exoplanets that could sustain it. Show off your best out-of-this-world attire by wearing your best alien-themed costume, engage in hands-on alien crafts then take a trip across the universe in our Planetarium – who knows what could be lurking among the stars?
Timed Activities
6:00 – 9:00PM | Lab 1
Decoding Images from Space
Become a space detective and uncover the hidden stories in real astronomical images.
6:00 – 9:00PM | Lab 1
Secret Signals
Try your hand at cracking mysterious codes, just like scientists searching the skies for messages from beyond.
6:00 – 9:00PM | Lab 1
Disappearing Messages
Write and reveal secret notes using light and science—perfect for a would-be alien.
6:30PM | Planetarium
Worlds Beyond Earth
(25m) What have 50 years of space exploration taught us about the planets and moons closest to us? With each probe and spacecraft launched into the unknown, scientists discover more about the surprisingly dynamic, active, and varied nature of the worlds that share our solar system, and gain a deeper understanding of the unique conditions that make life on our home planet possible.
6:30pm | Meet at Classroom 2
LifeQuest: Searching for Life in Chabot’s Backyard
What makes life…alive? Join Chabot educators on a short, guided walk as we scavenge for living (and non-living) things under the shade of Chabot’s majestic telescopes. Together, we will create a shared definition for life on Earth and dive into the search for extraterrestrial life in the cosmos.
6:30 – 8:30PM | Studio 3
Career Access Youth Showcase: Exploring the Sun with MUSE
Discover how science communicators are opening windows into the mysteries of our star! Join the Galaxy Explorers as they share hands-on demonstrations inspired by NASA’s upcoming MUSE (Multi-slit Solar Explorer) mission. Explore how astronomers use spectroscopy to decode sunlight, investigate the Sun’s magnetism and energy, and uncover the cutting-edge technologies that make solar research possible. Through interactive activities, these youth leaders will connect visitors to the real science behind space weather, solar flares, and the future of solar exploration.
6:30 – 9:30PM | Observation Deck
SIPREME Hot Chocolate
Stop by SIPREME Chocolate of Alameda for a steaming cup of out-of-this-world hot chocolate, right outside of Chabot’s historic telescopes! The perfect beverage for chilly nights staring up at the heavens! This is no ordinary hot chocolate — it’s made with shaved chocolate bar, giving it added richness and depth. Four fabulous flavors will be available in either 2% or oat milk. For more information about SIPREME, visit www.sipremechocolate.com.
7:00 & 8:00PM | Mezzanine
Interstellar Intruders with Astro Everywhere
Our Solar System is currently host to some interstellar visitors – not aliens, but comets from another star! Learn about our own cometary population and what makes these visitors different and scientifically fascinating in a 20-minute live planetarium show.
Astro Everywhere brings the astronomy to YOU! From breaking astronomy headlines to telescopes or a planetarium at events, Astro Everywhere tries to connect Bay Area audiences with the night sky and the universe beyond it.
7:30PM | Planetarium
The Sky Tonight: Live Zeiss Show with East Bay Astronomical Society
Explore the cosmos as a Chabot Astronomer leads you through the galaxy using a Zeiss Universarium Mark VIII Star Projector.
7:30 – 10:00PM | Lab 2
Telescope Makers Workshop with East Bay Astronomical Society
Open to all ages, the Telescope Makers’ Workshop is an all-volunteer group committed to helping people build their own telescopes. Drop in to see what they are up to.
7:30-10:30PM | Observation Deck
Telescopes/Domes Open*
*In case of bad weather, the domes will not be open for viewing
8:30PM | Observation Deck
Star Stories*
In addition to the Greek and Roman Classical Myths, you’ll hear Native American stories, as well as lore from India, Ancient Egypt, Viking Scandinavia, Ghana, Pacific Islands such as Hawaii, Kenya, and who knows where else?
*In case of bad weather, Star Stories will be moved inside.
9:00PM | Planetarium
5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI
(30m) The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is creating the most detailed map of our nearby universe. Installed on the Mayall telescope on Kitt Peak in Southern Arizona, DESI’s 5000 independently operated robots can measure the light from thousands of galaxies at once. Join us as we explore the science, instrument, and people behind this global endeavor.
Ongoing Experiences
Berkeley Public Library… from Sighting to Encounter | Rotunda
Make contact with Berkeley Public Library! Get a library card! Discover library programs and materials, make astral-themed buttons and paper crafts, and take-home free BPL giveaways!
Ask-An-Alien Talkback Wall | Studio 3
If you came face-to-face with an alien from outer space, what would you want to know? Come leave a question for an extraterrestrial with this interactive exhibit!
Galaxy Photobooth | Astrolight – Studio 2
Capture a memory against the backdrop of a glowing galaxy! Pose with props & snap a picture for your socials. Don’t forget to tag @chabotspace on Instagram!
Concessions | Cafe
Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase in the Café, and a specialty cocktail and mocktail will be sold at the bar, along with beer and wine.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA, United States, California 94619
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