The Kopernik Observatory and Science Center is set to start summer camps and the annual Rocketfest.

Community educator for Kopernik, Roy Williams is on the May 27 edition of the weekly local public affairs program, Southern Tier Close Up about the upcoming sessions including a Lego robotics camp for young children, which is, in Williams' words "bursting at the seams" with plans underway to add another session.

Williams stresses Rocketfest is also for adults to build and launch rockets at the observatory on Underwood Road in Vestal and it's fun when some of the rockets actually soar into Pennsylvania.

Other programs include gemstone jewelry making and preparations for the safe viewing of the upcoming solar eclipse.

Williams talks about some of the recent equipment upgrades including a sophisticated camera that can take pictures of space and he promises new pictures will be appearing on the Kopernik website soon.

Southern Tier Close Up can be heard Sunday at 6am on 99.1 The Whale.

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