Extraterrestrial NightLife

Music by DJ Andy Cabic (of Vetiver)
DJs presented by San Francisco Magazine

Explore the mysteries beyond our solar system with a night dedicated to the search for extraterrestrials. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Distant Signals
African Hall

• At 7 pm, Grab a seat for a mini-TED talk from Andrew Helton, Instrument Scientist at SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy).

• At 8 pm, Catch a live talk from Dr. Eduardo Bendek, a Senior Research Scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center speaking on the prospect of exploration of the Alpha Centauri system.

• At 9 pm, Stay for a live panel discussion with experts from METI (Messaging Extra Terrestrial Intelligence with Ariel Waldman, Dave Messerschmitt, Laura Welcher, Doug Vakoch, and Mike Matessa. Moderated by Dalia Rawson.

Across the Universe
Science Today

• From 6 pm - 8:30 pm, Take the wheel yourself and tour the universe with the Academy's own Planetarium presenters.
• At 8:30 pm, Stop by for a live talk on exoplanets and how we discover them from Howard Isaacson from the Berkeley SETI Research Center. 

Unexplored Worlds
Coral Reef
6p - 10p

• Travel back through time and space with VR experiences presented by Underground Engine, a collective of artists, scientists, and technologists.

Close Encounters
Project Lab
6p - 10p

• Meet members of the Kepler, K2, and TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) missions and learn how coronagraph telescopes help them capture images of exoplanets.

• Make contact with researchers from the UC Berkeley SETI Research Center and METI who are actively leading the search for extraterrestrial intelligence with interstellar communications and messaging.

• Chat with experts from SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy), the largest airborne observatory in the world, capable of making observations that are impossible for even the largest and highest ground-based telescopes.

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NIGHTLIFE TIPS

• Hurry! Last entry for our Rainforest dome is at 7:45 pm. Please note: drinks are not allowed inside the Rainforest exhibit.
• Thirsty? Each bar area features a unique seasonal cocktail—there are multiple bars throughout the museum.
• Special programs and lectures may have limited seating and admission will also be made available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.

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PLANETARIUM PASSES

• With Planetarium Pass Reservations, you can select your showtime in advance and guarantee your seat under the stars. $3; optional, but recommended. Available online only.
• Free passes will still be available onsite at the Planetarium kiosk on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early for your best chance to obtain a free pass.

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FOOD & DRINK

• A variety of food options are available at NightLife from 6:00-9:30 pm, including The Academy Cafe, The Terrace Bar and Restaurant, 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.