Horseshoe Crab Solstice Walk

Tess McCarthy • June 16, 2022

Nantucket, MA – 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 Director, Jack Dubinsky, 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 up and will meet at Massachusetts Avenue at Madaket Harbor at 9:00 PM on Tuesday June 21st. We highly suggest you bring your own flashlight or headlamp. You will be responsible for transportation to and from the beach. In the event of bad weather, this program will be cancelled, and refunds issued. Members pricing is $30, non-members $45. Click here to register.


The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization. Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.

For Immediate Release

June 14, 2022

Contact: Tess McCarthy, Communications and Marketing Intern

marketinginterns@mariamitchell.org

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