The 2026 Open House at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, NY, drew more than 2,500 visitors on a crisp autumn day. The long-running event offered a mix of interactive exhibits, scientific demonstrations, and expert talks, connecting the public with ongoing research that unravels the mysteries of our changing planet.
- Hands-on activities included climate-themed exhibits and volcanic eruptions.
- Lectures covered recent natural events and cutting-edge scientific tools.
- The event bridges community curiosity with Lamont's climate research.
What happened
On October 17, the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory opened its doors to thousands of visitors eager to experience Earth science firsthand. The event featured interactive stations such as an augmented reality sandbox for seafloor mapping, a climate change “warming stripe” walkway, and crowd-favorite erupting volcano demonstrations.
Besides fun hands-on experiments, attendees took in lectures on timely scientific topics like applications of artificial intelligence in research, recent devastating landslides, pollution by microplastics, and notes on this historic El Niño year. The Open House showcased the observatory’s extensive core sample repository and introduced the public to the tools researchers use to track planetary changes.
Why it feels good
Events like the Open House bring science to life and foster a deeper connection between researchers and the community. Visitors of all ages left with a better understanding of Earth systems and the urgent challenges surrounding climate change and environmental health.
The hands-on approach, from glacial goo experiments to measuring microscopic particles in personal air clouds, makes complex scientific ideas accessible and engaging. This shared learning experience highlights the joy of exploration and the power of knowledge to inspire informed action.
What to enjoy or watch next
Whether you missed the event or want to relive the experience, keep an eye out for online resources and future public programs from Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory that continue to highlight their groundbreaking research. The observatory’s efforts to educate and engage show no signs of slowing down.
Plan ahead for next year’s Open House, where new exhibits and updated content will offer fresh insights into Earth's climate system and natural phenomena. Meanwhile, exploring documentaries, lectures, or books about climate science and geology can keep your curiosity sparked until then.