Saturday Science Sparks

Saturday Science Sparks brings hands-on STEAM exploration to Morehead Planetarium, featuring rotating themes that change throughout the year. On July 25, the focus is "Coastal Frequencies," where families can discover the hidden world of underwater sounds. Artist Madeleine Popkin will be on hand in the Gateway Gallery to discuss her paintings paired with actual recordings of ocean life captured off North Carolina's coast by marine bioacoustics researcher Dr. Shannon Brown. Visitors can listen to these fascinating underwater soundscapes at listening stations while learning how art and science come together. The program runs from 1 to 4 p.m. and welcomes all ages at no extra cost—it's included with your regular Morehead admission. This is part of a new initiative launching in 2026 that will highlight different science topics throughout the year, developed in partnership with community experts and academic groups. If your family enjoys interactive learning and curious kids who ask "why," this is a great opportunity to explore something different beyond the usual planetarium experience.