Science at Sunset: Messengers of Time & Space

Science at Sunset graphic

Thursday, May 22, 2025
1601 E University Blvd.
5:30PM to 9PM

Join Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium and NOIRLab for a very special Science at Sunset event! The evening will feature a talk on astronomy, focused on time-domain and multi-messenger observations, followed by the premiere of NOIRLab’s new planetarium show, Messengers of Time and Space. A Q&A session about the film will follow. Admission includes access to science exhibits and, weather permitting, telescope viewing after sunset.

Science at Sunset tickets
Buy Tickets

All-inclusive ticket - $18

$12 for Flandrau members!

Your all-inclusive ticket includes:

  • Planetarium talk: Guaranteed seating for a special presentation featuring the producer of Messengers in Time and Space and a representative from NOIRLab

  • Show premiere: Admission to the debut screening of Messengers in Time and Space

  • Exhibit access: Explore all of Flandrau’s science exhibits, including the brand-new Universe of Science

  • Telescope stargazing: Enjoy guided stargazing after sunset (weather permitting)

Note: The last Science at Sunset event sold out in advance. Seating is first come, first served—but your all-inclusive ticket secures your access to all shows and experiences.

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Event Schedule

Students in front of flandrau at sunset

5:30PM - Science Center Opens

Check in and grab your seat

Visit the front desk to get buy your tickets or redeem the ones you purchased online. 

Please note doors will not open before 5:30PM.

Lecture in the planetarium

6:00PM - NOIRLab talk in the planetarium

The Astronomical Importance of Telescopes
Join NOIRLab representatives for a topical discussion that explores the importance of using multiple points of observation and how we do it in ground-breaking observatories like the Vera Rubin Observatory in northern Chile.
Messengers_of_Time_and_Space_Poster

7:00PM - PREMIERE: Messengers of Time and Space

Observing an ever-changing Universe
Be the first to explore a rapidly changing Universe in this immersive show revealing how light, particles, and gravitational waves help astronomers unlock cosmic mysteries in real time. Q&A with planetarium show producer Ron Proctor to follow.
Telescope-moon-observation

8:00PM - Telescopes on the UA Mall

Observe with us!

As long as weather cooperates, Flandrau staff will be working the telescopes aiming at points of interest in the night sky to share with event-goers.

Universe of Science

8:00PM - Explore Science Exhibits

See yourself in Science!
Discover hands-on science at Flandrau and visit two floors of exhibits, including the new Universe of Science!
Flandrau at Night Exterior with people

9:00PM - Event Ends

Thanks for exploring time and space with us!

Look for more Science at Sunset events in the coming months

Speakers

Ron Proctor

Ron Proctor - Space artist working with astronomers to open sensory windows on the universe. Over 20 years of experience in planetariums and immersive theaters.

Lecture in Flandrau Planetarium

NOIRLab Representatives - Get the perspective of the professionals and researchers on the forefront of the latest ways to observe the cosmos

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