Weekend Shows
About
Public shows at the Downing Planetarium are on selected Friday evenings and Saturday
afternoons. There is free parking available for our weekend visitors in parking lot
P15, next to the the planetarium (shown in green on campus map).
We are no longer taking ticket reservations. It will be first come first serve.
The tickets for Friday's shows will go on sale when we open the doors at 5:15pm Friday.
The tickets for Saturday's shows will go on sale when we open the doors at 1:15pm
Saturday.
Admission Prices
Show Schedule
| DAY |
TIME |
SHOW |
|
Friday
September 18, 2026
|
6:00 PM |
Stars: Powerhouses of the Universe |
| 7:30 PM |
Exploding Universe |
Saturday
September 19, 2026 |
2:00 PM |
Perfect Little Planet |
| 3:30 PM |
Dragon Skies |
Current Planetarium Shows
Stars: The Powerhouses of the Universe
Every star has a story. Some are as old as time, faint and almost forgotten. Journey
to the furthest reaches of our galaxy and experience both the awesome beauty and destructive
power of stars. Content includes stellar evolution, space exploration, the electromagnetic
spectrum, and the history of astronomy. Every star has a story. Some are as old as
time, faint and almost forgotten. Journey to the furthest reaches of our galaxy and
experience both the awesome beauty and destructive power of stars. Content includes
stellar evolution, space exploration, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the history
of astronomy.
Exploding Universe
Out of cosmic destruction comes new creation. Explosive events shape the universe
we see today—some vast, others surprisingly small.When massive stars die in supernovas,
they scatter the elements that form planets and life. Black hole collisions twist
space itself, unleashing bursts of unimaginable energy. On Earth, eruptions like supervolcanoes
have reshaped our planet into a cradle for life. Even the tiniest reactions between
atoms echo the forces that forged the early universe.This show follows a single proton
through these moments of chaos and renewal, revealing how creation is born from cosmic
catastrophe.
Perfect Little Planet
Imagine the ultimate space vacation! Discover our solar system through a new set of
eyes in a family from another star system seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over
the surface of Pluto, our favorite former planet. Dive off the ice cliffs of Miranda.
Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms of Jupiter. Walk on the
surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose? Don't miss this solar system
journey for space travelers of all ages!
Dragon Skies
Dragon Skies follows a young Chinese emperor as he learns to appreciate—and eventually
love—astronomy with the help of the Azure Dragon. Through their journey, audiences
discover how the ancient Chinese viewed and understood the night sky, and the vital
role astronomy played in Imperial China.