Emporia State STEM Outreach

10/30/2026

On Wednesday, STEM Outreach had the opportunity to help with the 53rd Annual Math Day! 📐📏✏

More than 450 High School Students from 45 different schools in Kansas participated in various math competitions throughout the day. These included individual and team events in categories such as Geometry, Algebra, and more! ➕➖✖️

Special thanks to the ESU Math Faculty, STEM Outreach Team and ESU students for pulling off a successful event. We'd also like to thank all of the high school teachers who brought their students to participate in Math Day this year. You Rock!📣

10/24/2026

There is still time to register for this morning's program at the Peterson Planetarium. If you're looking for something to do before Emporia State University's homecoming festivities (i.e. parade, tailgating, etc.) or Emporia Main Street's pub crawl and Oktoberfest come join us for a live night sky presentation and all-dome program, "The Sun: Our Living Star."

Showtime is at 10 am. Register here: emporia.edu/planetarium

☀️ THIS WEEK AT ESU’S PETERSON PLANETARIUM! ☀️

Meet the star that makes life on Earth possible in “The Sun: Our Living Star!” 🌞✨

📅 Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00 PM
🐝 Saturday, October 24 at 10:00 AM | ESU Homecoming

Journey to our nearest star and discover the incredible power and activity of the Sun. Perfect for ages 6 through adult!

🌟 Every public show also includes:
🔭 A live tour of the night sky with Mark Brown, Director of ESU’s Peterson Planetarium
❓ A question-and-answer session after the program

Seats are limited, so reserve yours today before this illuminating experience fades into the sunset! 🌅
Reserve your seats here: emporia.edu/planetarium

10/23/2026

Some animals seem like Monsters, but they’re just Misunderstood! 🐍

Come to PAROC on October 31st at 10:00 am to learn all about creatures that seem scary, but are not all that they seem. 🕷️🦈🐍

10/23/2026

🎓What an inspiring 24 hours for the literary arts at Emporia State University!📕

Yesterday, renowned Kansas poet Linzi Garcia shared her powerful voice as she recited "Garden of Bright Faces" during the inauguration of Dr. Matt Baker - reminding us of the unique ability of poetry to connect community, education, and growth and where we all have something to contribute - something bigger than ourselves.

The celebration continued this afternoon at the Peterson Planetarium, where, in partnership with Dr. Kevin Rabas, we hosted a special "Poets in the Planetarium" event. Beneath a canopy of stars, students studying under Dr. Rabas stepped into the spotlight and recited their own original poetry, blending creativity, imagination, and the wonder of the universe.

✨✨It was truly magical hearing poetry echo through the dimly-lit dome filled with stars. Today's event showcased the incredible talent of ESU students and demonstrated how art and science can come together to create memorable and meaningful experiences.

It was a treat to have Linzi Garcia join us inside the planetarium. Thank you Linzi! And thank you Dr. Rabas and all of the student poets who shared their words with us. We look forward to more opportunities to celebrate creativity under the stars!

10/23/2026

🌕 Look Up! The Full Hunter’s Moon Arrives October 25–26! 🌕

Step outside late Sunday night, October 25, or early Monday morning, October 26, and enjoy the brilliant Full Hunter’s Moon shining high in the autumn sky.

Known as the Hunter’s Moon because it traditionally provided extra light in the fields after crops were harvested helping hunters spot game. This full Moon rises in the east after sunset and remains visible throughout the night. It is also the first full moon after the fall harvest moon. Its warm golden glow near the horizon can make it seem larger than usual, creating a beautiful sight for skywatchers and photographers alike.

Whether you're taking a quiet evening walk, setting up a telescope, or simply looking out your window, the Hunter’s Moon is a great reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the night sky.

📅 Best viewing: Late Sunday night (October 25) through early Monday morning (October 26). No optical aid necessary - just your eyes.

10/23/2026

Join us today at 12 noon for Poets in the Planetarium! Aspiring writers and poets from Dr. Kevin Rabas's class will recite their poetry under the stars.

No registration required, but seating is very limited. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early. The Peterson Planetarium is located in Science Hall 031 (lower level). Free and open to all.

10/22/2026

It's Throwback Thursday! 📚

Our historical event for today is about Thomas Edison's contributions to the incandescent lightbulb. 💡

If you want to know more information on this topic, visit: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/electric-light-bulb-perfected/

10/20/2026

☀️ THIS WEEK AT ESU’S PETERSON PLANETARIUM! ☀️

Meet the star that makes life on Earth possible in “The Sun: Our Living Star!” 🌞✨

📅 Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00 PM
🐝 Saturday, October 24 at 10:00 AM | ESU Homecoming

Journey to our nearest star and discover the incredible power and activity of the Sun. Perfect for ages 6 through adult!

🌟 Every public show also includes:
🔭 A live tour of the night sky with Mark Brown, Director of ESU’s Peterson Planetarium
❓ A question-and-answer session after the program

Seats are limited, so reserve yours today before this illuminating experience fades into the sunset! 🌅
Reserve your seats here: emporia.edu/planetarium

10/12/2026

Come learn about digital evidence handling TONIGHT! 7pm in Science Hall 72. Free and open to the public!

10/07/2026

🐝🔴 This weekend, keep an eye on Mars as it appears to wander into the Beehive Cluster (M44), a beautiful open cluster of stars in the constellation Cancer.

Through binoculars, it looks like the Red Planet has stumbled into a buzzing hornet's nest, surrounded by dozens of sparkling stars. The contrast between Mars' steady orange glow and the cluster's scattered starlight makes for a spectacular sight.

Mars is currently visible in the eastern sky. Grab a pair of binoculars and head outside a couple of hours before dawn for an eye-catching close encounter! On Sunday, October 11, Mars will be in the midst of the . Emporia State University