Schedule a private show in the Planetarium.

Join us on an adventure into space to learn about the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars. Young explorers use their imaginations to become astronauts and travel around our solar system.Supports NJSLS-Science: Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns

The first four planets closest to the Sun may not be as different from each other as you think. The outer planets are made of gas and clouds, but what about their moons? Are they like our inner planets? Let’s compare and contrast these worlds.Supports NJSLS-Science: Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns, 2-ESS1-1, 2-PS1-1, 2-ESS2-2

Use our five senses to observe and predict weather. Discover different cloud types and how they help us predict the weather. What are some of the tools people use to measure weather? Learn the parts of the water cycle.Supports NJSLS-Science: Changes in the Earth and Sky, K-ESS2.D Weather and Climate, 2-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter, 2-S1.B: Chemical Reactions, Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns, Systems and System Models

Robo-kids Cy, Annie and their dog Armstrong get a lot more than they expected from their class field trip in an impromptu adventure. Travel along exploring the Sun, Earth and Moon, with a witty starship computer as navigator and guide. Race along on the surface of the Moon! Collect an asteroid sample in low gravity! Survive a solar storm! (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)Supports NJSLS-Science: Earth’s Place in the Universe 1-ESS1-1. Earth’s Place in the Universe 5-ESS1-2. Space Systems MS-ESS1-1

From the authors of the best-selling novel series, join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more. Who can help them answer the mysterious “M’s” questions? None other than an astronomer, an astronaut, some web surfing, and some thoughtful reflection.Supports NJSLS-Science: K-PS2 Motion and Stability, 1-ESS1 and 5-ESS1 Earth’s Place in the Universe, NJSLSA.R2, NJSLSA Reading Informational Texts K-4

Travel with an average yellow star on his quest to get a “name” and a planet to call his own. A “cool” red star, a “hot” blue star, a dying star, double stars, and the Milky Way Galaxy teach the Little Star some important things about being a star. Imagine Little Star’s surprise when he discovers planets already going around him! Supports NJSLS-Science: 2-PS1-1 Matter and Its Interactions, 5-ESS1-1 Earth’s Place in the Universe

Imagine the ultimate space vacation! What if you could travel the galaxy to find that ideal place? Discover our solar system through a new set of eyes – a family from another star system seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known Dwarf Planet. Dive over the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms at Jupiter. And walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose? This is the solar system journey for space travelers of all ages. (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)Supports NJSLS-Science: K-PS3-1 Energy, 5-ESS1-1 Earth’s Place in the Universe

Learn to find the Big Dipper and several other constellations in our night sky. Then, join a slave family as they use the Big Dipper as a guide to escape oppression in the South. Sing along with the slaves who used the song of the Drinking Gourd to travel north on foot from Alabama to Canada. Based on Jeanette Winters’ book by the same title, this show describes the astronomy behind the slave song “Follow the Drinking Gourd.”Supports NJSLS-Science: Earth’s Place in the Universe 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2Supports NJSLS-Social Studies: U.S. History: America in the World 6.1.4.D.9 , 6.1.8.D.4.c

Coyote has a razor-sharp wit, but he’s a little confused about what he sees in the sky. Join this amusing character (adapted from Native American oral traditions) in a fast-paced and fun show that tells Native American stories, explores lunar phases, eclipses, and other puzzles. Engaging and immersive, “Earth, Moon & Sun” examines how humans learn through space exploration. This program includes a brief tour ofthe current night sky. Supports NJSLS-Science: Earth’s Place in the Universe 5-ESS1-2. Space Systems MSESS1-1

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is creating the most detailed map of our nearby universe. Installed on the Mayall telescope on Kitt Peak in Southern Arizona, DESI’s 5000 independently operated robots can measure the light from thousands of galaxies at once. Join us as we explore the science, instrument, and people behind this global endeavor. (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)

Discover how asteroids are both a danger and an opportunity. The danger lies in the possibility of a cataclysmic collision; the opportunity is that asteroids could be stepping stones to other worlds – veritable way-stations in space – enabling us to cross the Solar System. The challenges are enormous, but a mission so extreme could ultimately lead us to protect our planet and inhabit others. Explore what it would take for astronauts to reach an asteroid and how such an adventure could benefit humankind. Supports NJSLS-Science: Earth’s Place in the Universe MS-ESS1

Big Astronomy shares the story of the people and places who make big astronomy and big science happen. This show takes visitors to the extreme sites where astronomy happens in the most extreme environments and with some of the most interesting people. (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)Supports NJSLS-Science: MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3, MS-ESS2-5, MS-PS4-2

As we develop a much larger picture about our Earth as a whole, we are coming to see it as a complex, interconnected, remarkable world, and one that humans have impacted directly. Explore the rise of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, the natural temperature variations that the Earth has experienced over millions of years, and how humans are affecting our planet today. Supports NJSLS-Science: ESS1.A, ESS1.B, ESS2.D, ESSS3.C, ESS3.D, LS2.A, LS2.C, PS3.D, ETS1.B, ETS2.B

Gravity, galaxies, and supermassive black holes! Scientists are finding supermassive black holes in the center of most galaxies. Are they formed through galactic collisions? What is the life story of black holes? These are just some of the topics that will be explored. (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)Supports NJSLS-Science: MS-ESS1, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-3

Deep beneath the Earth’s crust, with no light, no air, and very little water, in pores and fissures of hard rock, scientists have found an enormous biodiversity of micro-organisms that thrive in extreme conditions. Dark Biosphere challenges us to rethink not only the origin and evolution of life on Earth, but its possible existence throughout the Universe. This program is available through support from NASA’s Space Grant Consortium. Supports NJSLS-Science: LS1, LS2, ESS1, ESS2, PS1, PS2

The universe we see, and even our existence, have been shaped by explosive events.  From subatomic particle accelerators mimicking conditions in the early universe, to supervolcanoes, stellar deaths, and black hole mergers, these maelstroms create the elements which form complex molecules and life, seeding the galaxies for future star systems.Supports NJSLS-Science: MS-ESS1, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-3

Forward! To the Moon engages audiences in NASA efforts to send both humans and robots to the Moon and Mars. Narrated by Kari Byron from CrashTest World and Mythbusters, the film features the NASA Artemis program along with the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.

Introduce your students to the wonders of the day and night sky. This program can be tailored to your needs. Please choose one or two of the topics listed: Locating stars, constellations, and planets in the current evening sky, stories of the constellations, movement of objects across the sky Seasonal paths of the Sun Moon Phases Daily and Annual Motion of the Sky and Planets Call to discuss topics you’d like to cover during this show. Supports NJSLS-Science: Patterns, Cycles

What will it take to get to Mars? This dynamic, animated experience highlights real NASA research and initiatives that are preparing the next generation of astronauts to travel to Mars. It illuminates how creativity, collaboration, communication, and expertise in a diverse number of fields are key for the success of deep space travel—while also inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals! This planetarium show is produced by the Bell Museum, in partnership with NASA and UNC Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)Supports NJSLS-Science: 5-PS2, MS-PS2, MS-PS4, HS-PS4, Earth’s Place in the Universe MS-ESS1

In a feast of colors and sounds, Mayan Archaeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe makes a tour of 6 Mayan temples: San Gervasio, Chichen Itzá, Uxmal, Edzná, Palenque and Bonampak where the spectator dives into a Mayan world of knowledge about the importance of the orientations of its temples in relation to the movement of some stars like the Sun, the Moon and Venus. (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)

Go on a journey through the dynamic Universe during a night of observing at the International Gemini Observatory. The show reflects on Gemini’s unique rapid-response abilities as it joins forces with cutting-edge observatories like the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory and LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) to bring forth a new era of astronomy.

A live, interactive presentation. Observe Moon phases from Earth Model Moon Phases Track Jupiter’s moons as seen from Earth. (Recreates Galileo’s observations) Supports NJSLS-Science: Patterns, CyclesSocial Studies: 6.2.12.D.2.d

Join young Charles Darwin on an adventurous voyage of exploration circumnavigating the world with the HMS Beagle. Witness the thrill of scientific discovery, make observations of beautiful natural scenery, and let the pieces of a scientific puzzle slowly but surely fall into place. Allow Darwin himself to reveal this simple and most beautiful mechanism that explains the evolution of all life on Earth: natural selection, the single most wonderful idea anyone has ever had. Supports NJSLS-Science: MS-LS3-1, HS-LS3-1,3, HS-LS4-1,2,3,4,5Social Studies: 6.2.12.D.2.d

People around the world see the same stars, but create different pictures and patterns. This show features the “One Sky Project,” a series of short films on exploring patterns as seen by indigenous people from different cultures.

We live out our lives on our planet’s fractured crustal “plates” that pull apart, collide, grind past each other, and even sink below one another, producing violent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and catastrophic walls of water known as tsunamis.Supports NJSLS-Science: 4-ESS3-2, MS-ESS2, HS-ESS2

For thousands of years, we thought that we were the center of the Universe.   Since then, science has taught us an astonishing amount about our cosmos.  But even before we knew that our Sun was just one of many ordinary stars, people began to question if we were alone in the Universe. It is not the question of whether life exists elsewhere, but where we will have to look, and how we will find it — out there. Supports NJSLS-Science: MS-ESS1, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-3

From the journey of protons racing through the world’s largest particle collider in Europe to up-close views of the Big Bang and emergent universe, and the nearly mile-deep descent to an underground experiment in South Dakota, discover how we search for dark matter. This program showcases this exciting exploration, from the Big Bang to its anticipated discovery at the Large Hadron Collider. Supports NJSLS-Science: MS-PS2-4, MS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-4, HS-PS2-4, HS-PS3-1, HS-PS3-2, Structure of Earth System, Earth’s History, Motions and Forces, Origin and evolution of the Earth system, and the Universe

Go on a futuristic journey through our Solar System. With Earth’s resources being rapidly depleted, a tycoon sends our hero, Jack Larson, on a mission to discover a new home to colonize. This character-driven show is perfect for middle school students!Supports NJSLS-Science: Earth’s Place in the Universe MS-ESS1, MS-ESS1-3, Earth and Human Activity MS-ESS3.A

Leading scientists and experts in multiple fields combine the latest state-of-the-art observations, numerical simulations and innovative analytic tools to compare theory with observation, and shed light on the physics of black hole formation in the context of galaxy evolution. This planetarium show presents the environments of the black holes in an impressive and understandable way.Supports NJSLS-Science: MS-ESS1, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-3

Space exploration is having a big impact on your life. Not only is it helping discover a universe of unimaginable scale and beauty, it’s reaching back down into our world and influencing the way we live. The technology that transports us through space is paving the way for the devices and apps we use everyday. What’s happening above and beyond is coming back down to Earth.Supports NJSLS-Science: 5-ESS2-1, 5-ESS3-1, 5-PS2-1, 5-ESS1-1, MS-PS4-2, MS-PS4-3, MS-LS1-3, MS-LS1-8, MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS3-2, MS-ESS3-3, HS-PS4-2, HS-PS4-5, HS-ESS1-2, HSESS1-4

Take an amazing journey through our solar system, visiting each of the planets, plus the most famous dwarf planet, Pluto. Beautiful images taken from orbiting satellites blend with high-end animations and current information on our neighborhood of planets.Supports NJSLS-Science: Earth’s Place in the Universe MS-ESS1

For most of history, humanity never saw Earth as a whole until about 50 years ago. Since then, satellite technology has transformed our view of the planet, revealing dynamic patterns, rich data, and constant change. This program explores how Earth observation satellites revolutionize our understanding of Earth as a living system, enabling accurate monitoring, rapid disaster response, and deeper insight into ongoing environmental transformations worldwide.Supports NJSLS-Science: ESS1.A, ESS1.B, ESS2.D, ESSS3.C, ESS3.D, LS2.A, LS2.C, PS3.D, ETS1.B, ETS2.B

An introduction to the stars and constellations we can see in tonight’s sky. This is typically included with every show we do, but can be replaced by something else by request. (Length is variable.)

What shape are things in space? Are they round like a pancake or round like a ball? We’ll fly around the Moon, a planet, and look at our galaxy to see if they are the same or different. (8 minutes)

We say the Sun rises in the east and sets in the west, but that’s not entirely accurate. We’ll observe the Sun’s rising and setting positions for each season and compare the lengths of the day over the course of the year. (15 minutes)Supports NJSLS-Science: 1-ESS1-2 Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year.

Take a journey from Earth, past the Oort Cloud, the Milky Way Galaxy and continue to the cosmic microwave background radiation to see where our tiny planet fits into this great big Universe. (15 minutes)

Demonstrates how the Sun and Earth are interconnected and that we are “Living with a Star.” High quality animations display solar phenomena such as fusion and light energy as well as solar surface features and events. Granules, solar flares and coronal mass ejections are highlighted. The show discusses the impacts of space weather and how the Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field protects all life on Earth. (10 minutes)

Starry skies are a vanishing treasure because light pollution is washing away our view of the cosmos. It not only threatens astronomy, it disrupts wildlife, and affects human health. The yellow glows over cities and towns — seen so clearly from space — are testament to the billions spent in wasted energy from lighting up the sky. If we all work together, we can bring back the dark of night to planet Earth. (7 minutes)

A spellbinding 360° short film about the Northern Lights, describing the cultural significance of the aurora and the science behind this beautiful phenomenon. With quotes from journals of past Arctic explorers and the words of indigenous people, we discover how humans living beneath these undulating lights are inspired by what they see. The two narrators of the film are Athabascan Alaska natives. (11 minutes)

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is creating the most detailed map of our nearby universe. Installed on the Mayall telescope on Kitt Peak in Southern Arizona, DESI’s 5000 independently operated robots can measure the light from thousands of galaxies at once. Join us as we explore the science, instrument, and people behind this global endeavor. (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)

Robo-kids Cy, Annie and their dog Armstrong get a lot more than they expected from their class field trip in an impromptu adventure. Travel along exploring the Sun, Earth and Moon, with a witty starship computer as navigator and guide. Race along on the surface of the Moon! Collect an asteroid sample in low gravity! Survive a solar storm! (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)Supports NJSLS-Science: Earth’s Place in the Universe 1-ESS1-1. Earth’s Place in the Universe 5-ESS1-2. Space Systems MS-ESS1-1

Big Astronomy shares the story of the people and places who make big astronomy and big science happen. This show takes visitors to the extreme sites where astronomy happens in the most extreme environments and with some of the most interesting people. (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)Supports NJSLS-Science: MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3, MS-ESS2-5, MS-PS4-2

Gravity, galaxies, and supermassive black holes! Scientists are finding supermassive black holes in the center of most galaxies. Are they formed through galactic collisions? What is the life story of black holes? These are just some of the topics that will be explored. (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)

What will it take to get to Mars? This dynamic, animated experience highlights real NASA research and initiatives that are preparing the next generation of astronauts to travel to Mars. It illuminates how creativity, collaboration, communication, and expertise in a diverse number of fields are key for the success of deep space travel—while also inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals! This planetarium show is produced by the Bell Museum, in partnership with NASA and UNC Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)Supports NJSLS-Science: 5-PS2, MS-PS2, MS-PS4, HS-PS4, Earth’s Place in the Universe MS-ESS1

In a feast of colors and sounds, Mayan Archaeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe makes a tour of 6 Mayan temples: San Gervasio, Chichen Itzá, Uxmal, Edzná, Palenque and Bonampak where the spectator dives into a Mayan world of knowledge about the importance of the orientations of its temples in relation to the movement of some stars like the Sun, the Moon and Venus. (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)

Imagine the ultimate space vacation! What if you could travel the galaxy to find that ideal place? Discover our solar system through a new set of eyes – a family from another star system seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known Dwarf Planet. Dive over the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms at Jupiter. And walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose? This is the solar system journey for space travelers of all ages. (Available with Spanish soundtrack.)Supports NJSLS-Science: K-PS3-1 Energy, 5-ESS1-1 Earth’s Place in the Universe

What do you associate with Halloween? Trick-or-Treating, costumes…astronomy? After all, Halloween is an astronomical holiday! Learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day.” We will also explore the night sky and learn what planets, constellations, and stars will be out on your Halloween evening.

Discover the stars visible in the winter sky. Then follow Santa on a trip through the solar system when a friendly alien kidnaps him. The kids on the other planets need presents too, you know!Supports NJSLS-Science: K-PS3-1 Energy, 5-ESS1-1 Earth’s Place in the Universe

Over the years, many people have tried to explain the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the Bible. Was it an exploding star, a comet or some other natural event in the sky? Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions are discussed. The program includes a brief tour of the current night sky.

Constellations memorialize love lost and love gained. Planets are named for Roman and Greek gods who have stories of their own. Beautiful stellar nebulas remind us of celestial flower bouquets. Discover these treasures and more in this light-hearted, family-friendly show about the love stories in the sky.

A special astronomy and music show designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. This sensory-friendly show, which is appropriate for audiences of all ages, will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all visitors. Duringthe show, the doors will remain open so children may freely leave and return if they choose. Lights will be left dim (instead of dark) and the audio will be lowered and kept at a consistent level. “The Sky Above” show includes music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the Moon andconstellations. Content is presented on a kindergarten level.

During a laser concert, lasers draw pictures on the dome while we play recorded music. Below is a list of our shows. Laser shows feature music and flashing lights in the dark environment of the Planetarium that may be scary or over-stimulating for young children. Laser shows include rapidly moving graphics at times. We do not recommend laser shows if you are sensitive to these things or have a medical condition that can be exacerbated by them. This is a sampling of some of our shows. Contact us for a full list of songs. Laser Kids family-friendly songs including “YMCA” by The Village People and “Waka Waka” by Shakira. Laser Magic family-friendly songs including “We Will Rock You” by Queen and “Fireworks” by Katy Perry. Laser Pop Rock family-friendly songs including “Dynamite” by BTS, “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles and “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepson. Lasers for Littles family-friendly songs including “Fruit Salad” by The Wiggles, “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” from Sesame Street, “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from Lilo & Stitch, and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens. The Beatles Bon Jovi Classic Rock mostly 70’s songs Grateful Dead Women that Rock all songs are by female artists Led Zeppelin Laser Love all songs have a love theme Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon The Best of Pink Floyd Pink Floyd: The Wall Queen Rock of Ages 80’s songs from the Broadway/movie by the same title Laser Springsteen Summer Lights summer-themed songs including WipeOut, School’s Out, California Gurls, Watermelon Sugar, Cake By the Ocean Taylor Swift Winter Wonder Lights all songs have a winter / Christmas theme Laser Monster Mash family-friendly Halloween-themed music, including “The Adams Family Theme Song,” “Monster Mash,” and “Ghostbusters.” Fright Light Features songs including “Alive” by Meatloaf, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band. La Musica All songs are in Spanish. Artists include Calley 13, Enanitos Verdes, Enrique Iglesias, Ricy Martin, Santana, Jarabe de Palo.