Downing Planetarium
Weekend Shows
About
Public shows at the Downing Planetarium are on selected Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. There is free parking available for weekend shows in parking lot P15, right in front of the planetarium (shown in green on campus map).
Reservations are strongly recommended. Tickets can be held at the door by filling out our reservation form. Ticket payment can be made at the time of ticket pick-up. Pre-payment is not necessary. Please note that tickets will be held only until 10 minutes prior to show time and then they will be sold to the next customer. Shows start promptly on the hour.
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Show Schedule
| DAY | TIME | SHOW |
|---|---|---|
| Friday February 7, 2025 |
6:00 PM | Unveiling the Invisible Universe |
| 7:30 PM | Mars: The Ultimate Voyage | |
| Saturday February 8, 2025 |
2:00 PM | 321-Liftoff! |
| 3:30 PM | Cosmic Questions |
Current Planetarium Shows
Unveiling the Invisible Universe
For thousands of years humans have used their eyes to see light coming from the night sky. Today, we know that what we can see with our eyes is but a tiny fraction of the true Universe. At the beginning of the 17th century, the invention of the astronomical telescope by Galileo revolutionized our knowledge of our solar system. In the 20th century, with the arrival of rockets, it became possible to travel above the Earth’s atmosphere to observe xray and gamma ray radiation which provides evidence of a hot and violent Universe. More recently, the detection of gravitational waves from two merging black holes has opened an entirely new window in astrophysics. Enjoy spellbinding images of the Cosmos as revealed by all these unique messengers.
Reserve Tickets for Unveiling the Invisible Universe
Mars: The Ultimate Voyage
Have you ever wondered what it will take for astronauts to travel to the Mars? On this long journey, what challenges will astronauts face? How will they stay motivated and healthy on their spacecraft so far away from Earth? On a three year trip to Mars, astronauts will face extraordinary challenges— a closed environment, isolation, altered gravity, and radiation. What will it take to get astronauts to Mars—and back—safely? This new, animated planetarium production highlights NASA research and training initiatives that are preparing the next generation of astronauts who will head to Mars. The program shows 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! Witness what it will take to embark on the first human mission beyond Earth’s orbit.
Reserve Tickets for Mars: The Ultimate Voyage
321 Liftoff!
This family oriented program tells the story of a hamster named Elon. He builds rockets. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. No matter what, excitement is always guaranteed!
Reserve Tickets for 321 Liftoff!
Cosmic Questions
"Cosmic Questions" takes viewers on a captivating journey through the cosmos, exploring some of the most profound and mysterious questions about the universe. The program delves into topics such as the origins of the universe, the potential for life beyond Earth, and the nature of dark matter and dark energy. The program invites audiences to reflect on humanity's place in the vastness of space while sparking curiosity about the ongoing discoveries in modern astronomy. Designed to be both educational and visually spectacular, the program offers an immersive experience that stimulates wonder and exploration of the Universe's greatest mysteries.
Reserve Tickets for Cosmic Questions