PARTNER
Philly Acts of Science
Do One Act of Science for America’s 250th—Right Here in Philadelphia
Do Acts of Science
In April 2026, thousands of Philadelphians celebrated our nation’s 250th birthday by taking part in simple Acts of Science that protect wildlife, explore our night sky, and strengthen our city.
Throughout April 2026—Citizen Science Month—and the 2026 migration season, people:
Philadelphia was the birthplace of America. In 2026, it became the birthplace of 2.50 million Acts of Science.
Join in. Make a difference. Celebrate together.
Projects
Explore the Night Sky Across Philadelphia
In April 2026, volunteers from The Franklin Institute, NASA’s Night Sky Network, Dark Sky Network, Globe at Night, and Lights Out Philly hosted stargazing stations throughout the city. Philadelphians could look through telescopes or binoculars, learn to identify constellations, and help measure light pollution.
Interactive Map
Projects You Can Do Anywhere in Philly
Your observations help scientists understand how city lights affect human health, wildlife, energy waste, and our ability to see the night sky.
Smithsonian Wildlife: Our Shared Future 250
Respond to questions about wildlife in camera trap images.
Anytime
Anywhere
Animals, environment, outdoor
Are we alone in the universe?
Join the search for extraterrestrial civilizations!
Anytime
Anywhere
Space, astrophysics
Backyard Worlds: Cool Neighbors
Discover the Sun’s most extreme cosmic neighbors.
Anytime
Anywhere
Space, astrophysics, astronomy, brown dwarfs, exoplanets, research, stars
Upcoming Events
JUN 20 – AUG 22
10:00 AM
Philadelphia
Transit Tours – Transit Forward Philly
Remember the first time you tried to transfer from the L to a bus in an unfamiliar neighborhood? Or navigated the city hall concourse? How about figuring out how to read the SEPTA map or your favorite transit app?
As a Transit Forward Philly subscriber, you may be a transit pro, but many of our friends and neighbors may be new to using SEPTA.
Whether you are looking for alternatives to high gas prices, are new to the area, or have just always wanted to learn how to use SEPTA, Transit Forward Philly are proud to launch weekly transit tours this summer.
Every Saturday morning from June 20th – August 22nd, different neighborhoods will be explored. Single ride passes are available to cover the cost of participating and transit riders of all experience levels are welcome.
DEC 11
3:30 PM PST / 6:30 PM EST
Zoom
Do NASA Science LIVE!
Register to join from anywhere!
SciStarter is partnering with NASA to present a series of free virtual events featuring NASA citizen science projects, live Q&As with scientists, and step-by-step instructions to get involved in real time! No previous experience or specialized experience is required!
The featured project for December 11, 2026 will be announced soon. Register to save the date and receive a notification when the project is announced.
Featured Project: To Be Announced
FEB 11
3:30 PM PST / 6:30 PM EST
Zoom
Do NASA Science LIVE!
Register to join from anywhere!
SciStarter is partnering with NASA to present a series of free virtual events featuring NASA citizen science projects, live Q&As with scientists, and step-by-step instructions to get involved in real time! No previous experience or specialized experience is required!
The featured project for February 11, 2026 will be announced soon. Register to save the date and receive a notification when the project is announced.
Featured Project: To Be Announced
Resources for Philadelphians
Learn, Explore, and Take Action
Whether you’re joining telescope pop-ups or decorating your windows with 250th anniversary bird-safe decals, here are resources to support your Act of Science:
Night Sky & Light Pollution
Bird Migration & Bird-Safe Homes
Learn More
For Volunteers
Telescope or Binocular Guide
Volunteers helped set up viewing stations across the city on select nights in April 2026. No experience required!
Volunteer Resources
Visit the SciStarter Microsite to learn more, sign up, and access training materials.
How to Participate
Celebrate America’s 250th—and Protect Birds
Every Philadelphia household will receive a sheet of commemorative 2026 Bird-Safe Window Decals designed in partnership with:
What’s on the Decals
Each sheet includes a mix of celebratory and bird-safe designs:
Why Use Them?
Where to Get Them
Decals will be distributed through:
Our Partners
This citywide initiative is powered by a broad coalition of science, education, community, and cultural organizations:
Together, we’ve mobilized Philadelphians to protect birds, explore the universe, celebrate our nation, and contribute to 2.50 million Acts of Science in 2026.