Thursday, October 1, 2026
Some questions have a way of capturing the imagination no matter how much time passes. Are we alone in the universe? What lies beyond our understanding of the cosmos? For those drawn to such mysteries, the Cradle of Aviation Museum welcomes all to explore the unknown through presentations, discussions and stories that examine some of the most intriguing phenomena ever reported.
The museum hosts “UFOlogy: Close Encounters at the Cradle,” on Saturday, a daylong event featuring investigators, astronomers, interactive exhibits and a 300-drone light show. Visitors can examine reports of unidentified aerial phenomena while exploring the curiosity, science and speculation that have fueled interest in the subject for decades.
“We thought it was a good opportunity because there’s been so much in the news and media over the past few years,” says Jen Baxmeyer, the Cradle of Aviation’s executive director. “Everyone’s been talking about it. We said, ‘Let’s use this as an opportunity to talk about some of the science and technology occurring out there and even some of the fun science that goes into investigating these things.’”
Throughout the day, everyone can explore demonstrations involving drones, astronomy and investigative technology. Activities range from comic-book creation and face painting to an alien autopsy — an alien-themed version of the classic game Operation.
Many of the elements Baxmeyer noted, are designed to disguise STEM lessons inside entertaining experiences.
“They’re not going to realize that they’re actually learning science,” she says.
One station demonstrates the physics of buoyancy and air pressure through a hovering UFO-inspired craft, while others allow visitors to experiment with drones and discover how modern aerospace technology works.
The event also has a distinctly Long Island flavor. Organizers intentionally selected local experts to participate.
Featured speakers include UFO investigator Ben Hansen, who discusses how researchers draw on fields such as physics, meteorology and mathematics to analyze sightings and videos, including cases from New York City and Connecticut.
Long Island-based researchers the Tedesco Brothers showcase the cameras, sensors and field equipment they use to document and study unusual aerial observations, offering visitors a firsthand look at the technology behind modern UFO investigations.
“We’re trying to keep it Long Island,” Baxmeyer says. “Most of our organizations are local, and they’ll be talking about incidents that are very specific to Long Island.”
Among those participating are members of the Amateur Observers’ Society, who will set up solar and nighttime telescopes for public viewing. Visitors have an opportunity to learn more about astronomy while observing celestial objects through equipment operated by local enthusiasts.
As daylight fades, attention will shift outdoors for one of the day’s most anticipated attractions: a 300-drone light show produced by Grizzly Entertainment, the company behind the recent aerial display at Jones Beach on Memorial Day.
The synchronized drones create a series of aviation, aerospace and space-themed images in the night sky, with a few extraterrestrial surprises mixed in.
“We’re going to have some fun, exciting stuff,” Baxmeyer says. “We’ll have a DJ, we’re going to have our own E.T. doing kind of a kickoff dance party.
“A lot of people in the sciences shy away from talking about these types of topics. But people are interested in them. They’re talking about them on social media. Why not have the conversation here and give everyone the opportunity to learn about the science too?”
Visitors will also enjoy watching — or re-watching — “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” participate in themed activities and meet costumed characters inspired by popular science-fiction franchises and other extraterrestrial characters.
The museum also welcomes everyone to a pre-show on Friday, when visitors can screen“Spaceballs,” the 1987 sci-fi parody.
While UFOlogy makes its debut this year, museum officials are already looking ahead. A strong turnout could pave the way for the event to become an annual fixture on the museum’s calendar, much like the widely attended Cradle-Con convention.
”We’ll probably give it a few years to catch on,” Baxmeyer adds. “If people enjoy it and it grows, we’d love to keep doing it.”
For now, she — and her team — are betting that a mix of curiosity, discovery and a little extraterrestrial fun is enough to bring everyone together for a day that is, quite literally, out of this world.
