General Lab Information

photo of two silhouetted people looking up inside a planetarium dome
Vanderbilt Museum and Reichert Planetarium

180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, NY 11721

June 7, 2025
9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Join scientists from Brookhaven Lab as they explore the wonders of the universe at the Vanderbilt Museum and Reichert Planetarium. Explore energy and the power of the sun through hands-on activities, while learning about the cutting-edge science conducted at Brookhaven Lab. Enjoy engaging lectures from NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) scientists and a special planetarium show for children (ages 8+) that brings the cosmos to life. Pre-registration is required for the lectures and show; seating is limited.

exterior photo of the Reichert Planetarium

Vanderbilt Museum's Reichert Planetarium

The Vanderbilt Museum and grounds and Reichert Planetarium will open at 9:30 a.m.and admission will be FREE for all members of the public until 2 p.m. Visitors will have access to the grounds as well as exhibits in the Vanderbilt Mansion and Marine Museum. Seating for the scientific talks and Planetarium shows require reservations. Click on the shows below to reserve your seat!

10 a.m. “"One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure""
Presented by the Vanderbilt Planetarium, Big Bird, Elmo, and their new friend Hu Hu Zhu learn about stars, constellations, and the Moon by using their imagination to take a trip into space. Recommended for ages 2—8.		 Reserve Seat
11 a.m. “The Everyday Atmospheric Encounters with Invisible Space Invaders"
Scientist Jessica Gasparik of Brookhaven Lab's NASA Space Radiation Laboratory will share a talk about “invisible space invaders”—more commonly known as space radiation—and how Earth’s atmosphere provides the vital protection needed for life to thrive on our planet (run time is approximately 45 minutes and includes a brief Star Talk presented by the Vanderbilt Planetarium, featuring a guided exploration of constellations and planets.)		 Reserve Seat
Noon “Are we all made of star stuff? How Elements and Stars Work"
Scientist Trevor Olsen of Brookhaven Lab's NASA Space Radiation Laboratory will share a talk about composition of matter and nucleosynthesis (run time is approximately 45 minutes and includes a brief Star Talk presented by the Vanderbilt Planetarium, featuring a guided exploration of constellations and planets.)		 Reserve Seat