Horseshoe crabs were some of Earth’s first astronomers! For over 450 million years, horseshoe crabs have been precisely coordinating their spawning behaviors with the lunar cycle to protect their eggs from marine predators. In celebration of International Horseshoe Crab Day and the summer solstice, join MMA Director of Astronomy Dr. Regina Jorgenson and MMA Aquarium Manager Christina Norman on a special interdisciplinary night walk on the beach as we search for horseshoe crabs, learn about horseshoe crab biology, and discuss the physics of lunar phases, seasons, and tides! We will also observe constellations and discuss how marine organisms, including horseshoe crabs, may use Earth’s magnetic field to navigate in the ocean.
This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 13 and older. Horseshoe Crab Solstice Walk meets at the Madaket Harbor on Massachusetts Avenue, Madaket. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. Pre-registration is required for this nighttime program. Registration closes at 4pm on the day of the program. Flashlights or headlamps will be provided, but it is recommended that you bring your own lighting. Personal transport to and from the meeting location is required to participate in the event of inclement weather, this program will be cancelled and participants notified.
Cost Per Participant: $45
Contact email: cnorman@mariamitchell.org
Cancellation and Refund Policy: We understand that plans change! Because we are a small non-profit that benefits from the contributions made by our generous patrons and supporters, cancellations make it more challenging for us to manage program enrollment. Tickets are non-refundable, should you choose to cancel. However, tickets are eligible for an exchange before the date and time of the scheduled program subject to a $5 rescheduling service fee, per reservation, and program availability. If you wish to reschedule, please contact us at info@mariamitchell.org.
In the event of a complete event or program cancellation by us ticket-holders will receive a ticket exchange or refund. Requests for exchanges or refunds must be made in writing, and received, no more than seven days from the date printed on the ticket. Rescheduling is not guaranteed and is based on current availability. No refund or credit will be given if the ticket holder requests a time that is unavailable for any reason.
All offerings are subject to cancellation by the MMA at any time, with or without notice for reasons deemed necessary by the organization. In the event of a cancellation by us, we will make every effort to provide a ticket exchange at an amenable date and time to both parties and if we cannot, we will refund the purchase and credit the original payment method.