Watching rockets launch from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility is one of the highlights of living on the Eastern Shore, but did you know that they also host free events throughout the year?  Whether you’re watching the night sky, safely observing the eclipse or taking an engineering challenge, there’s always more to learn and explore.

Wednesdays July 12 – August 30; 2:00pm – 3:00pm

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center

Engineering Challenge

Assemble a team and work together to solve an engineering challenge like those at Wallops solve every day.

July 13; 8:30pm – 9:45pm

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, North End Parking Lot #1

Astronomy & Night Sky

Observe the night sky with telescopes and binoculars. There will also be Astronomy 101 Presentations at the Herbert H. Bateman Education Center at 7:30pm, 8:00pm and 8:30pm.

Fridays July 14 – August 25; :200pm – 2:30pm

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center

Rocketry

Learn about suborbital rockets and see model rockets, straw rockets or bottle rocks in action.

Saturdays July 15 – August 26; 11:00am – 12:00pm

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center

Imagination Playground

Geared towards those aged 4 – 9, this program allows children to play in the Imagination Playground and test their engineering and design skills.

Saturdays July 15 – August 26; 2:00pm – 2:15pm

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center

Peculiar Planet

A short presentation that focuses on one of the planets in our solar system.

July 20; 5:00pm – 6:00pm

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center

Introduction to Solar Science & the Total Solar Eclipse of 2017

This lecture discusses interesting facts about the sun, information about how eclipses work and how to safely view the eclipse on August 21.

July 28; 8:30pm – 10:00pm

Assateague Island National Seashore (MD)

Astronomy & Night Sky

Observe the night sky with telescopes and binoculars. There will also be Astronomy 101 Presentations and astronomy activities at the Assateague Visitor Center at 7:00pm, 7:30pm, 8:00pm and 8:30pm.

August 12; 8:30pm – 9:45pm

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, North End Parking Lot #1

Astronomy & Night Sky for Perseid Meteor Shower

Observe the night sky with telescopes and binoculars. There will also be Astronomy 101 Presentations at the Herbert H. Bateman Education Center at 7:30pm, 8:00pm and 8:30pm. The refuge will remain open all night for the meteor shower.

August 21; 12:00pm – 4:30pm

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center

Solar Eclipse

View the solar eclipse safely with special eclipse glasses. There will also be solar-themed movies, activities and crafts.

August 21; 12:00pm – 4:30pm

Toms Cove Visitor Center (VA) and Assateague Visitor Center (MD)

Solar Eclipse

View the solar eclipse safely with special eclipse glasses.