Celebrate the Summer Solstice with an evening of astronomy, stargazing and astrophotography

Sunday, June 21, 2026 

7:30 to 9:30 p.m. 

Location: Great Lawn 

Join Dr. Lionel Crews of the University of Tennessee at Martin Chemistry and Physics Department as he teaches the significance of the longest day of the year and shares techniques for capturing the night sky through photography. 

Guests will learn how ancient civilizations, including the Maya, Celts and Egyptians, observed and marked the solstices and equinoxes. Weather permitting, participants will also have the opportunity to view celestial objects through a telescope, practice basic astrophotography and download photos taken during the event. 

You will discover: 

• Why the Summer Solstice is significant in astronomy and history
• How ancient cultures tracked seasonal changes using solar markers
• Basic astrophotography techniques for capturing the night sky
• Opportunities for telescope viewing and stargazing 

This event is part of Passport to the Universe, Discovery Park’s free astronomy education series. This session is the fifth class of the year, and guests who attend five or more classes in 2026 will receive a commemorative Passport to the Universe patch. Participants are encouraged to bring their passports if they already have one. 

This event is free and open to all guests. In the event of rain, the program will move to the theater. 

This event is brought to you by Discovery Park of America.