superhero

Channel your inner superhero during NightLife’s first-ever salute to iconic comic book and cinema characters.Come in costume and explore the science behind your favorite superheroes while learning about their real-life science counterparts.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Superheroes & Super Scuba Divers
(African Hall)
7:00 pm,
 Hear a talk from aquarium director and scientific deep-diver Bart Shepherd about what it’s like to suit up with the newest underwater gadgets and venture to the depths of the twilight zone in search of new discoveries.

8:00 pm, Listen to culture of comics expert Louis Schubert give a talk about the relevance of superheroes in today's society.

Pop-Up Comic Book Shop
(Swamp)
6:00 - 10:00 pm,
Flip through classic comic books and check out superhero collectibles at a pop-up shop by the SF Favorite, Mission Comics and Art.

Science of Super Powers
(Project Lab)
6:00 - 10:00 pm,
Learn the science behind superheroes and their super powers:

  • Check out the spider specimens that have influenced a certain building-hopping superhero from the Academy’s renowned entomology collection.
     
  • Discover how tiny ants power complex communities with researchers from Stanford’s Gordon Lab.
     
  • ​Learn all about biocrusts, the “superheroes” of the microbial world, with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.
     
  • Check out the inspiration behind everyone's favorite "Dark Knight" with bat researcher Meredith Jantzen.
     
  • Stop by the California Wolf Center's table to learn more on the animals that inspired some of comics most notorious superheroes.
     
  • Discover the newest advancements in super robotic tech with Ekso Bionics exoskeleton which provides super strength to whoever suits up.
     
  • See how X-Ray Vision is used to monitor plant growth and decay with Stanford's Carnegie Institution for Science.

DJs Raffaello & Palermo
​(Piazza)
6:00 - 10:00pm,
 Catch super sets from DJs Raffaello & Palermo in the Piazza all night long.

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MUSEUM EXHIBIT TIMES
6:00-7:45 pm, Osher Rainforest—explore a lush, four-story rainforest that's teeming with life.

6:00-10:00 pm, Color of Life—Discover a world of dazzling live animals and shimmering scientific specimens.

6:00-10:00 pm, Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed—Marvel at rarely-seen fish and invertebrates from little-known reefs and learn about Academy scientists who travel to mysterious underwater depths.

FOOD & DRINK
A variety of food options are available at NightLife from 6:00-9:30 pm, including The Academy Cafe, The Terrace, and The Academy Cafe Food Cart located in the front lobby.

Enjoy a different fresh seasonal "craft on draft" cocktail at each NightLife bar area designed by our resident mixologist Shane McKnight! All bars accept cash and credit cards.

PLANETARIUM UPDATE
Please note: Planetarium seating is limited . Admission is available to NightLife guests on a first-come, first-served basis. No passes required. We recommend arriving 20 minutes prior to showtime.

PLEASE BE ADVISED
Special programs and lectures may have limited seating and admission will be made available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.

Music

Planetarium Shows

6:30 pm

Meet the heroes of our universe while witnessing the battle for good versus evil, superhero versus super vill

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Upcoming events

April 4th at 6:00 pm

We're serving more than looks in a night all about weaving connections through fashion.

April 11th at 6:00 pm

Make room for ‘shrooms because fungi are taking over! Enter the mystical world of mycology at this annual fave.

April 25th at 6:00 pm

Attention Earthlings: our planet's calling & it's time to answer. Join us for a night of community & activism.

May 2nd at 6:00 pm

Feel the beat of connection through the power of musical instruments.

May 9th at 6:00 pm

See what’s revealed once the sun goes down and explore the nocturnal side of the Academy.