The Adirondack Park is seen from space. (Provided photo — The Wild Center)

TUPPER LAKE — NASA Earth to Sky Team Adirondacks has invited the public to a celebration of science featuring climate research, astronomy and satellite discoveries about the Adirondack Park on Thursday, March 5 in Tupper Lake. These special events offer a rare opportunity for community members to meet and chat directly with a NASA scientist alongside regional researchers and educators, while exploring how satellite data and space science are helping us better understand changes happening across the Adirondacks.

These events are being organized by a broad network of partners who make up NASA Earth to Sky Team Adirondacks, including the Adirondack Council, Adirondack Explorer, Adirondack Research Consortium, Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, Paul Smith’s College and The Wild Center.

“These events create meaningful opportunities for our community to connect directly with scientists and explore how global research connects to everyday life in the Adirondacks,” Wild Center Director of Climate Initiatives Jen Kretser said. “By bringing together climate research, space science and public conversation, we’re helping people better understand the changes happening around us and inspiring thoughtful action for the future.”

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Community events

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Program: “From Satellite to Sediment: What We Can Learn About the Adirondack Park from Space” at The Wild Center from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Hosted by Adirondack Explorer and sponsored by Ausable Freshwater Center, this public discussion will explore how scientists use satellite data alongside field research to better understand how climate change is impacting the Adirondack Park. The event will highlight findings from the Study of Climate and Adirondack Lake Ecosystems and examine how leaders and communities can respond to regional climate challenges.

Speakers to include:

¯ Peter Griffith, scientist, NASA

¯ Adriana Espinoza, deputy commissioner and acting chief of staff, NYS DEC

¯ Maureen Leddy, director of the Office of Climate Change, NYS DEC

¯ Hamid Norouzi, remote sensing specialist, CUNY

¯ Phil Snyder, field director of the SCALE survey, Ausable Freshwater Center

¯ Jenna Robinson, SCALE project manager, RPI

¯ Jon Borrelli, research scientist, RPI

¯ Mallika Talwar, deputy partnerships director, U.S. and India, Yale Program on Climate Change Communication

Space is limited, and complimentary tickets can be reserved at adirondackexplorer.org/events.

“This event reflects our mission as journalists to dig deeply into the issues that matter most to the Adirondack Park and to make complex science accessible to the public,” Adirondack Explorer Publisher Tracy Ormsbee said. “By bringing scientists, policymakers and residents into the same room, we’re extending that journalism beyond the page into informed conversation.”

Program: “Space Science on Tap” at Raquette River Brewing from 6 to 7 p.m. Following the afternoon climate discussion, the evening continues with an informal, engaging astronomy program hosted by the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory. “Space Science on Tap” will feature short, accessible talks about astronomy and space exploration. Attendees include Elaine Fortin, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, Jeff Miller, Astronomer and Physics Laboratory Coordinator at St. Lawrence University, and representatives from Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory.

After-party: “Telescope After-Party” at Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (weather permitting). The evening will conclude with a telescope after-party at the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, where participants can enjoy guided stargazing and deep-space viewing opportunities.

“Space is for everyone, no rocket science degree required! Bring your curiosity, we’ll bring the universe,” Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory Associate Director of Astronomy Outreach Simon Thill said.

All events are free and open to the public. More information is available at wildcenter.org/events/earthtosky.