Planetarium Shows
If You're Visiting the Planetarium
Please check our "Visiting the Planetarium" webpage for the most current information on COVID-19 policies and rules, before coming to the Planetarium.
Virtual Field Trips
Below is a list of planetarium shows available for your school's virtual field trip.
Kinder - 2nd Grade
Patterns in the Sky
We all know the Sun moves in the sky. Is there a pattern to that motion? Observe and learn about the day to day (and night to night!) motions of the Sun, stars, and more. We use our virtual planetarium as a time machine to discover these patterns and to make predictions.
3rd - 5th Grade
Celestial Cycles - Stars and Seasons
Humans have been tracking the motions of celestial bodies for thousands of years. What patterns emerge from these motions? In our virtual planetarium, observe the cycles of the Sun, Moon, and stars to learn how they work and to make predictions about their motion.
3rd - 6th Grade
Climate: The Long Cycle - Weather and Climate
We are surrounded by cycles every day. The Sun and stars move in a regular pattern. But some cycles are longer, and more chaotic. Climate can be considered average weather over long periods of time, and climate is changing globally. What can hurricanes teach us about climate, and what does the future hold?
6th - 8th Grade
Dance of the Solar System - Celestial Motion
Everything in space moves, and these multiple motions combine into a celestial dance. Some moves are simple, some are complex. Observing these motions is the key to unlocking the secrets of moon phases, eclipses, and seasonal changes in the positions of the Sun and the stars.
The Gravity of the Cosmos - Solar System, Milky Way and Gravity
The Solar System is more than just the Sun and the planets. It includes a plethora of objects, but their motions are all ruled by gravity. An understanding of gravity explains the birth of the Solar System, the orbits of the planets, and even the structures of galaxies. Explore the Solar System and more in an real-time simulation, piloted by an expert presenter.
General K - 8th Grade
The Moon and Stars
On clear nights, many people enjoy looking at the Moon and finding constellations. The Moon is unique in that it changes its appearance and position everyday. The stars vary less day to day, but do follow seasonal patterns. Observe the Moon and the stars in our virtual time machine planetarium. Learn to predict Moon phases and how to find constellations in the real sky.
Shows for In-Person Field Trips
Below is a list of planetarium shows available for your school's in-person field trip.
Preschool - 1st Grade
Secret of the Cardboard Rocket
Climb aboard a magical cardboard rocket with two young adventurers, Marcus and Bonnie,
and experience a breathtaking, up-close look at each of our solar system's planets
with guidance from “Astronomy Book” - a character personified by a wise, kind old
man. It's not until the end of the adventure when you find out what the true secret
of the rocket is - something that makes this apparently impossible trip to the edges
of the universe and back become possible.
The Little Star That Could
A story about Little Star, an average yellow star in search for planets of his own
to protect and warm. Along the way, he meets other stars, learns what makes each star
special, and discovers that stars combine to form star clusters and galaxies. Eventually,
Little Star finds his planets. Each planet is introduced to the audience with basic
information about our Solar System.
This is Our Sky
Join Luna and her friends for an exploration of the sky which includes phases of the
Moon, seasons, constellations and planets. This is Our Sky! is a general astronomy
show that contains elements of interest spanning a wide range of audiences.
1st - 3rd Grade
Magic Tree House: Space Mission
In Magic Tree House® Space Mission, a mysterious “M” sends the intrepid Jack and Annie
on a fun-filled journey to discover the secrets of the sun, moon, planets, space travel
and more. Aligned with early elementary information skills learning objectives, this
beautifully-produced show is a winner with Magic Tree House® fans of all ages and
school audiences alike.
The Moon
Have you ever wondered what makes the Moon so special? Apart from the Sun, the Moon
is one of the brightest objects in the sky and it’s the second place, other than the
Earth, that humans have set foot. Come and learn about the Moon’s phases, craters
and other characteristics that make the Moon a very special place.
Legends of the Nigh Sky: Orion
Orion is one of the most prominent Constellations in the winter night sky. With is
famous belt made of three stars it is sure to be one of your favorite constellations,
come join us as we take an imaginative look at the story and legend of Orion, the
Great Hunter of the Winter Sky.
2nd - 4th Grade
Totality
“Totality” is a fascinating look at all the wonders of eclipses, especially total
solar eclipses. This program, produced by Bays Mountain Planetarium, examines what
eclipses are, how and when they occur, and what wonderful sights they create. Look
back to a fascinating period in scientific discovery when general relativity was proven
with the photographic recording of a total solar eclipse.
"Totality" includes a variety of wonderful styles – from spectacular space environments
to humorous pop-up books. A very special part of the show illustrates, in a very human
way, what happens when you are caught in the shadow of the Moon and the Sun is plunged
into a total solar eclipse. You will love this program!
3rd - 5th Grade
Earth, Moon & Sun
Explore the relationship between the Earth, Moon and Sun with the help of an amusing
character adapted from Native American oral traditions who has many misconceptions
about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors. How do the Earth, Moon and
Sun work together as a system and what is the myth and science behind it? Why does
the Sun rise and set? Why do we see different constellations during different seasons?
What is an eclipse? Learn about the Moon's phases and orbit. Explore past and future
space travel to our Moon and beyond.
For 3rd grade - Adult
Cosmic Journey
Travel from the outermost reaches of the solar system taking in the wonders of the
planets and their moons, from Pluto to Earth, zoom past planets revolving above you.
See the ringed systems of the outer planets and the detail of various moons, all digitally
rendered using real images from satellites. Finally, return home to Earth and contrast
our home planet with the other worlds you've explored.
Exoplanets: Worlds of Wonder
Follow mankind's first Space Probe as it journeys outside our solar system to the
many new worlds astronomers are discovering beyond. Visit Gas Giants caught in a deadly
dance with their host stars, frozen rogue planets hurling through space, molten rocky
worlds now known to science and new planets drifting comfortably within the area around
a star where Earth-like worlds may exist. Discover new insights about our own Earth,
Moon, Sun and the remarkable Solar System we inhabit.
We Are Stars
Witness the formation of the first hydrogen atoms after the Big Bang and then watch
how those hydrogen atoms gather into galaxies and stars. Learn how the stars forged
all the atoms needed to make life. See the creation of planet Earth and follow the
atoms and molecules through evolution.
Astronaut
The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken.
What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become
an astronaut? Explore the amazing worlds of the microscopic regions of the human body
to floating around the International Space Station and experience a rocket launch
from inside the body of an astronaut as this immersive planetarium show takes you
from Earth into Space and beyond.
Stars
Every star has a story. Some are as old as time, faint and almost forgotten. Others
burn bright and end their lives in powerful explosions. New stars are created every
day, born of vast clouds of gas and dust. Through every phase of their existence,
stars release the energy that powers the Universe. Journey to the farthest reaches
of our galaxy and experience both the awesome beauty and destructive power of STARS.
The Sun: Our Living Star
The Sun has shone on our world for four and a half billion years. The light that warms
our skin today has been felt by every person who has ever lived. It is our nearest
star and our planet’s powerhouse, the source of the energy that drives our winds,
our weather and all life. The passage of the Sun’s fiery disc across the sky — day
by day, month by month — was the only way to keep track of time for countless past
civilizations. Discover the secrets of our star in this planetarium show and experience
never-before-seen images of the Sun’s violent surface in immersive full dome format.
Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens
Once a planet of great mystery, now we know more than ever before about its amazing
system of rings, moons, and storms thanks to modern robotic space pioneers. From its
bizarre moons with mysterious features, to the millions of icy particles that compose
the enigmatic rings, this is the three-dimensional tour of the Saturnian system that
goes beyond the CG experience - It's like flying piggyback on the Cassini spacecraft!
Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity
Extreme Planets
For centuries, humanity has wondered whether we are alone in the Universe. Now, we
are finally one step closer to knowing the answer. We'll explore what makes a planet
"Earth-like" in the first place, and take an immersive full dome tour of several worlds
that just might fit the conditions we're looking for. From water worlds to molten
landscapes, inhabitable moons to planets with multiple suns, these exotic worlds aren't
just science fiction anymore!
We Are Aliens
Earth, it’s now a small world. The human race is connected better and faster than
ever before but what about elsewhere? Could we one day be part of a galactic community
sharing our knowledge and ideas? Or is Earth the only planet with life? We Are Aliens
takes you on an epic ride in the hunt for the evidence of alien life.
Firefall
Throughout Earth’s violent history, impacts from comets and asteroids have mercilessly
shaped its surface. The ancient barrage continues today; from harmless meteors to
mountain sized boulders wandering perilously close to Earth. Terrifying and majestic,
these invaders from space are capable of utter destruction yet life on Earth owes
its very existence to these denizens of the solar system. This ceaseless FIREFALL
is our only tangible connection to the Universe beyond and is an ever-present reminder
of our own humble beginnings in the hostile environment of space.