Public shows at the Planetarium

The Sky Above, sensory-friendly program, Saturday, July 15, 5:00 pm

Welcome to a comfortable and judgement-free zone to learn some astronomy.  This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders.  Neurotypical children are welcome as well.  The program is presented on a kindergarten level, but all ages are welcome.  Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations.  During the show, the doors remain open so children may leave and return if they choose.  Lights are kept dim (instead of dark) and music is at a consistent level. 

Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Fridays, July 7, 14, 21, 7:00 pm

Join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more.  Who can help them answer the questions left for them by the mysterious "M"?  This show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels.  (Recommended for ages 5 and older)

Astronomy Tonight, Friday, July 7, 8:00 pm; Saturday, July 15, 7:00 pm; Friday, August 4, 8:00 p.m.
Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, experience a guided tour of the night sky. Learn about some of the popular constellations visible from sunset to sunrise, as well as the stories behind them. Hear about how and where in the sky to find the brightest planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)

Summer Lights Laser Concert, Fridays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, 9:00 pm

The Summer is just getting started! Break out your Hawaiian shirts and listen to songs that remind us of summertime.  "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffet, "Rock Lobster" by the B-52's, and "Heatwave" by Glass Animals are just some of the summer-themed songs you'll hear in this laser concert.   (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Perfect Little Planet, Wednesday, July 12, 19, 26, 2:30 pm; Thursdays, July 13, 20, 27, 2:30 pm
A family from another star system is seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known dwarf planet; sail through the rings of Saturn; feel Jupiter’s lightning storms; and walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination will they choose? (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote AND Laser Lite, Wednesdays, July 12, 19, 26, 3:30 pm; Thursdays, July 13, 20, 27, 3:30 p.m.

Join us for an astronomy show AND a laser concert in one hour! 

Coyote thinks he knows everything about the sky, but he’s surprised by how many misconceptions he has about eclipses, moon phases, and the motion of the day and night skies. Then rock out to about 20 minutes of songs and lasers. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

SETI: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, Fridays, July 14, 21, 28, 8:00 pm

As yet, we have no hard evidence of another living thing outside Planet Earth. We will explore this topic, from planets we are finding around other stars, to the feasibility of traveling to the s tars, and what aliens might actually be like, to the possibility that UFOs have been visiting, and various methods that scientists are using to get in touch. Will we make contact in our lifetimes?  (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, Saturday, July 15, 3:00 pm

Adventure through the solar system in the Cardboard Rocket! Travel with two children and their navigator, the talking astronomy book. Visit the Sun, the planets, the Moon and more. (recommended for ages 6-12)

Laser Kids laser concert, Saturday, July 15, 4:00 pm, Wednesday, August 9, 3:30 pm, Thursdays, August 17, 3:30 pm

A mix of music with a song list to entertain kids and kids at heart while lasers dance on the dome overhead.  Songs include “Bright,” by Echosmith, “YMCA” by the Village People, “Mia” by Bad Bunny, and “Waka Waka” by Shakira. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

The Sky Above, sensory-friendly program, Saturday, July 15, 5:00 pm

Welcome to a comfortable and judgement-free zone to learn some astronomy.  This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders.  Neurotypical children are welcome as well.  The program is presented on a kindergarten level, but all ages are welcome.  Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations.  During the show, the doors remain open so children may leave and return if they choose.  Lights are kept dim (instead of dark) and music is at a consistent level.