2023 International Day of Light Celebration

Join us on May 21 at the Flandrau Planetarium & Science Center for free planetarium shows and optics activities for families, teachers, and science enthusiasts of all ages.

Optics and photonics are the science and engineering of light that is used by everyone, everywhere, every day. Join us to explore and discover the world of optics and Arizona’s world leaders in the science of light!

These activities are for all ages, FREE and open to the public:

1:00 – 2:00 Fun with optics!  Meet Optics Valley leaders, talk with local optics professionals, and learn some principles of optics at our activity tables.

2:00 – 3:00pm in the Flandrau Planetarium: From Earth to the Universe + Live James Webb Space Telescope Talk: Join us on a journey of discovery of our universe, the James Webb Space Telescope and the science of light! This planetarium show is FREE and first come, first seated.

3:00 – 3:30pm Fun with optics!  Meet Optics Valley leaders, talk with local optics professionals, and learn principles of optics at our activity tables.

3:30 – 4:30pm in the Flandrau Planetarium: Live with an Astronomer: The James Webb Space Telescope with Dr. Kevin Hainline, JWST NIRCAM Team Member: Discover NASA’s largest and most powerful space telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope with Dr Hainline, a University of Arizona astronomer and JWST NIRCAM team member! This special presentation with Q&A is FREE and first come, first seated.

Location:
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E University Blvd, Tucson

Parking:
CLICK HERE for Flandrau weekend parking info. Weekend parking is free in the Cherry Garage, south of Flandrau.

Cost:
FREE for everyone. The 2pm and 3:30 pm planetarium shows are free and first come, first seated.

Registration:
None!  The 2pm and 3:30pm planetarium shows are free and first come, first seated.

About the International Day of Light

The International Day of Light is a UNESCO global initiative to celebrate light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, astronomy, and clean energy. May 16 marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman.

Sponsor Opportunities are Now Available.  Download Sponsorship PDF Here. Questions? Contact John Dennis at [email protected].