Now that warm evenings are finally here, and we are spending more time outside, we invite you to look up and rediscover the night sky with us at The Backyard Universe, a hands on astronomy workshop led by Joshua Roth.

Joshua Roth is a longtime physics and astronomy educator at Arlington High School and holds a Ph.D. in Astronomy from the California Institute of Technology. For more than two decades, he has helped students and curious minds alike see the universe in a completely new way.

This is not just a lecture, it is an interactive journey through the cosmos.

Together, we will explore how planets, constellations, galaxies, and even Saturn’s rings can be observed from suburban skies, often with nothing more than your own eyes or an affordable telescope. Participants will create and use their own star wheels, explore a telescope petting zoo, and dive into activities focused on optics, the Moon, and the zodiac. Questions are encouraged, curiosity is welcome, and wonder is guaranteed.

Whether you are completely new to astronomy or have always loved the stars, this workshop is designed to make the universe feel closer, more accessible, and deeply inspiring.

Sunday, May 31 at 4:00 PM
Maxima Hive
Program duration: 60–75 minutes

Come curious. Leave seeing the night sky differently.