Spartan Young Astronomers Club
About Spartan Young Astronomers Club
The Spartan Young Astronomer Club (SYAC) is geared toward kids ages 8-12 who are curious and love learning about astronomy! Kids of any age are welcome though.
On the first Saturday of the month (usually, double check dates), November through August, budding young astronomers explore the wonders of the universe through a planetarium presentation and hands on activity. Each month focuses on a different topic. Pre-registration is not required.
Fees
This program is $5 per kid. The grown-ups are free but are required to stay at the planetarium. This is NOT a drop off program.
Up to two kids can get in for free with a Family Plus membership.
SYAC is also part of our Museums for All program and entry is free for kids with an EBT, WIC, or medicaid card.
2025- 2026 Schedule
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
|
November 1, 2025 |
Bugs in Space With special guest, the Bug House |
|
December 6, 2025 |
Energy Learn about different types of energy that we study from the universe |
|
January 10, 2026 |
Atmospheres Learn about different types of atmospheres around planets, and the effects of the Earth's atmosphere on studying the universe |
|
February 7, 2026 |
Forces Learn all about the different forces, fundamental forces, and how they affect different objects in the universe. |
|
APRIL |
No SYAC Check out the MSU Science Festival instead! |
|
May 2, 2026 |
Space + Birds We admit this one is strange. We will learn about how birds use the sky to navigate and how observing birds can help you practice observing the sky. |
|
June 6, 2026 |
Vera C. Rubin Observatory The new Vera C. Rubin Observatory is schedule to start collecting science data this year. Learn about this new observatory and it's mission to take pictures of the whole sky every three nights. |
|
July 11, 2026 |
Optics Explore how we use lenses and mirrors and help us see distant objects more clearly. |
|
August 1, 2026 |
Electronics One of the main ways we study the universe is with special spacecraft, camera, and other technology. This requires scientists to design circuits. Learn how we build and use electronics in our tools |