June 28, 4:15 pm

Speaker: Zachary Gelles, Princeton University
Black holes are the sites of extreme gravitational forces – they suck in matter and never let it back out. But under the right conditions, a black hole can actually power the reverse process, shooting matter outwards at incredibly high speeds and lighting up the black hole’s vicinity. These so-called “jets” are some of the brightest, most powerful objects in the universe and have been observed in numerous galaxies to date. In this free lecture, join us to learn what black holes are and how they can be used as engines for these astrophysical jets. Zach will explain how we observe the jets and what we can learn from them. Finally, we will hear about future plans to upgrade telescopes and enable astrophysicists to see jets in the universe with unprecedented precision.
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July 8 – August 29

This summer enjoy free activities on weekdays, all summer long. The complete listing of scheduled programs is available on the Events/Calendar page. Each weekday will have a different program as described below.

• Story time and a craft: Tuesdays from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm, repeated on Saturdays from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. Each week a different book and craft will be featured. Visitors can bring their young children to hear a story, then stay and make the related craft. Program begins July 8 and runs through August 26.
• Drop-in Activities: Wednesdays and Fridays between 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm, visit the Imagination Studio on the Museum’s lower level for a make-and-take craft. The crafts are suitable for most ages, offering families and individuals a fun opportunity to be creative. Program runs July 9 – August 29.
• Gallery cart activities: Thursdays from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm, the Museum mobile cart will be in a featured gallery with fun, hands-on activities related to the exhibitions. Program runs July 10 – August 28.

Sunday, July 13, 4:15PM

Join us in the Planetarium on Sunday (instead of Saturday!) for this free talk with Dr. Ben Zhang, Princeton University.
In an intergenerational relay spanning three centuries, craftsmen, philosophers, teachers, explorers, and publishers around the world revealed a wealth of information contained in sunlight and starlight, telling a story of the universe that goes far beyond what meets the eye. Along the way, they also changed our concept of vision itself. Today, scientists have even more sophisticated ways of using light, or radiation, to study the material world. They work every day to unravel the mysteries of everything from invisible germs to distant exoplanets.
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August 16, 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm

Join us for an exclusive free showing of NASA’s brand-new original documentary “Planetary Defenders,” which dives into the high-stakes world of asteroid detection and planetary defense. Journey alongside a team of astronomers and scientists working tirelessly to track and monitor near-Earth asteroids, aiming to protect our planet from potential impacts. This documentary captures the efforts of these unsung heroes, blending cutting-edge science with personal stories to reveal the human spirit behind this critical endeavor. Witness the drama, the challenges, and the triumphs of those on the front lines of planetary defense. After the movie there will be time for Q & A. Please note: Movie run time is 1 hour, 15 minutes. Suitable for General Audiences.

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Update June 2025: Our Small Explorers sessions have ended for the season. We look forward to launching a new season of learning in the fall. Look for updates to our schedule and registration process over the summer. If you have participated in the past or been added to our mailing list you will receive an email with the details for the new season. Families are welcome to help us plan for the new season by completing this survey.

The Small Explorers program is for families with children up to 5 years old. They meet in the Discovery Den monthly. This playgroup is an opportunity to explore the Museum with your child and connect with other families for support. If you are not on our mailing list but would like to learn more please contact Amy Stevens at amy.stevens@sos.nj.gov.