Tag: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Celebrate World Space Week 2026: Smithsonian Starstruck Experience at Rivercenter

Smithsonian Starstruck invites communities worldwide to explore the universe together this World Space Week. Photo: Smithsonian Starstruck, used with permission.

Celebrate World Space Week in San Antonio with Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience

This World Space Week, Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is inviting audiences around the globe to explore the universe together during Family Space Week – a special celebration taking place October 4–10. (Smithsonian Starstruck, 2026)

Across participating Starstruck venues in Washington D.C., San Antonio, Denver, Chicago, London, Melbourne, São Paulo, and Lisbon, guests are invited to journey deep into the cosmos through immersive exploration, STEM-inspired content, and special giveaways.

Kicking Off With Free Family Sunday at Starstruck

At the heart of the celebration is Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, where guests travel through galaxies, encounter extreme exoplanets, and witness the life cycle of stars through real astronomical data brought to life.

Free tickets will be made available on Sunday, October 4 with Free Family Sunday, a special kickoff event offering free admission to Smithsonian Starstruck for one day only.

Important Note: Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will no longer be available once fully claimed.

From young explorers to grown-up stargazers, Free Family Sunday is designed to turn curiosity into discovery. Families can explore the science behind the stars and take home space-inspired goodies.

Event Details & Visitor Information

  • Opening Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
  • Location: The Shops at Rivercenter, Lower Level (San Antonio, TX)
  • Duration: ~40 minutes
  • Recommended Age: 10+

Accessibility Features

Developed in close collaboration with the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility, Starstruck incorporates accessible features to ensure a welcoming experience for all:

  • Closed captions & visual descriptions
  • Wheelchair-optimized viewing
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Complimentary companion access
  • Fully accessible venues and trained staff

What to Expect: A Walkable, Interactive Cosmos

Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), Starstruck draws on decades of astronomical research to translate scientific data into a fully immersive, interactive, and walkable universe.

Built from real astronomical data, Starstruck is far more than an exhibition—it is a cosmic journey allowing guests to activate their senses as they touch, hear, and navigate the wonders of the universe like never before.

Highlight Features:

  • Travel Alongside Space Telescopes: Journey aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
  • Explore Deep Space: Encounter extreme exoplanets, witness the birth and death of stars, and explore the immense scale of galaxies and black holes.
  • Humanity’s Place in Science: Gain a deeper understanding of our place in the universe through smart, transportive entertainment.

A Full Week of Cosmic Discovery

Family Space Week continues beyond the Sunday kickoff event with:

  • Special Ticket Offers: A limited-time promotion offering 20% off admission throughout World Space Week.
  • Giveaways & Partnerships: Local radio giveaways, STEM-inspired social content, and community partnerships across participating cities.

“World Space Week is about celebrating the curiosity that space sparks in all of us. We created Starstruck to inspire young people to ask big questions, get excited about science, and see themselves as part of the future of discovery.”

— Randall Smith, Astrophysicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

About Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience

Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a 3D interactive, virtual reality experience that begins at Earth’s observatories and launches visitors into the universe. Translating real data from SAO, NASA, and ESA, Starstruck brings Smithsonian science and storytelling into a transportive format, extending the Institution’s mission of sharing knowledge far beyond its physical museums.

Starstruck is part of Fever’s growing portfolio of original immersive experiences, designed to make extraordinary scientific discoveries accessible and tangible for everyone through a seamless blend of education, storytelling, and cutting-edge technology.

New Immersive Space Exhibition ‘Smithsonian Starstruck’ Opens at Rivercenter

Explore stars, black holes, and galaxies in a fully immersive journey beyond Earth that brings the universe within reach like never before. Photo: Smithsonian Starstruck, used with permission.

The Universe Awaits: ‘Smithsonian Starstruck’ Immersive Experience Launching in San Antonio

The universe is officially within reach, Texas! San Antonio is about to become a major gateway to the cosmos with the arrival of Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience. (Smithsonian Starstruck, 2026)

Opening this week at The Shops at Rivercenter, this free-roam, interactive journey invites visitors to witness the birth and death of stars, explore distant galaxies, and come face-to-face with a black hole, all without ever leaving downtown San Antonio.

Here is everything you need to know about this upcoming celestial adventure.

📅 Event Details at a Glance

FeatureDetails
Opening DateThursday, July 2, 2026
LocationThe Shops at Rivercenter, Lower Level (San Antonio, TX)
Duration~40 minutes
Recommended Age10+
TicketsAvailable now via the Fever app or website

Science Meets Magic: Built From Real Astronomical Data

Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)—a pioneering research center founded in 1890—Starstruck draws on decades of genuine astronomical research.

This isn’t just a standard digital exhibition. By translating complex scientific data into a fully immersive, walkable universe, the experience dissolves the boundary between the observer and the observed. Visitors will be able to touch, hear, and navigate the wonders of the cosmos using all of their senses.

🚀 Cosmic Travel Partners: During the journey, guests will travel alongside humanity’s most powerful space observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and the Chandra X‑ray Observatory.

🌟 Experience Highlights

What can you expect once you step inside? The journey breaks down into some truly breathtaking segments:

  • Launch from the Summit: The experience begins atop SAO’s Whipple Observatory, where a cosmic guide named Astro awaits to launch you into deep space.
  • A 3D Galactic Drift: Glide past thousands of galaxies, race through the Milky Way, and soar close to the Sun to witness its immense energy.
  • The Edge of Infinity: Encounter extreme exoplanets, stand beside a dying star, and walk right up to the edge of a supermassive black hole.

Celebrating Innovation & Human Accomplishment

Beyond the stunning visuals, Starstruck honors centuries of scientific curiosity. From the Big Bang to our modern solar system, the experience places you inside the story of discovery itself, reminding us that humans are not just observers of the cosmos, but an active part of it.

“This project demonstrates how immersive experiences can make complex scientific ideas more tangible and engaging. It’s exciting to see astronomical data translated into an experience that encourages curiosity and exploration.” — Randall Smith, Associate Director for Science at the Center for Astrophysics at SAO.

Bringing Starstruck to San Antonio marks the latest addition to Fever’s growing worldwide portfolio of cultural experiences, aiming to make science and art completely accessible through cutting-edge technology.

♿ Commitment to Accessibility

Developed in close collaboration with the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility, Starstruck has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a welcoming experience for everyone. Accessibility features include:

  • Captions and visual descriptions
  • Wheelchair-optimized viewing pathways
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Complimentary companion access
  • Monthly low-sensory days alongside a fully trained staff

About the Organizers

About the Smithsonian

Since 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. It consists of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, and various research facilities housing roughly 157 million objects and specimens.

About the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)

As part of the largest astrophysics research center in the world, SAO has been a pioneer in space exploration since 1890. Today, they perform groundbreaking research and operate multiple satellites, including NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Minor Planet Center tracking solar system asteroids.

Ready to explore deep space? Head over to Fever to secure your tickets for opening week!

Photo: Smithsonian Starstruck