Buffalo Museum of Science to open terraces for rooftop tours

“Twilight at the Museum” will take place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on July 12, August 9 and September 6.

The summer sky changes from month to month, offering different celestial views each Friday night, museum officials said.

In addition to safely observing the setting sun from the museum’s terrace, visitors will have the chance to observe Venus and Mercury when the brightest “stars” appear on July 12, weather permitting.

On August 9, those with telescopes will be able to catch a glimpse of the mountains and valleys of a crescent moon as it follows Venus to set in the west, and get a closer look at the stars.

September 6 promises a close-up view of Saturn, its rings and its many moons, and, as the sun sets earlier, guests will have more time to search for deep-sky objects, including star clusters and nebulae.

The roof is accessible by stairs or elevator but will be closed in bad weather, in which case astronomy lectures will take place inside.

Guests of all three events will also be able to enjoy the museum’s exhibitions and galleries.

Registration costs $20 per person, or $5 with museum membership.

Museum operators strongly encourage advance online registration at sciencebuff.org/event/twilight-at-the-museum, as each of the “Twilight at the Museum” events has sold out since the summer series began in 2022.