Planetarium Schedule
Shows are Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm.
Show lasts approximately 35 minutes.
Shows offered subject to change.
During Summer Vacation (July and August) planetarium shows are daily at 2pm.
Special fulll dome planetarium show offerings throughout the year.
Information
- It is suggested that you arrive early to purchase tickets; seating is limited.
- General admission is $3. Children under age 4 are not permitted into the Planetarium.
- Groups larger than 15 must book a private show.
- Private planetarium shows offered. Cost is $125.00 up to 25 people, additional guests $5.00 per person. Please call the Museum Education Department at 401.785.9457 for more information.
Planetarium Shows
Cosmic Collisions
Take a thrilling trip through space and time--well beyond the calm face of the night sky--to explore cosmic collisions, hypersonic impacts that drive the dynamic and continuing evolution of the universe. Groundbreaking scientific simulations and visualizations based on cutting-edge research developed by American Museum of Natural History astrophysicists, scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other international colleagues depict the dramatic and explosive encounters that shaped our solar system, changed the course of life on Earth, and continue to transform our galaxy. This show explores the full range of space collisions, past, present, and future. Show produced by the American Museum of Natural History. (General Audience)
Eyes on the Skies
All across the Earth, people are united by their fascination with the night sky. Join us on a journey around the world, from the South Pacific Islands to the Canadian Arctic to West Africa, and back in time with the ancient Maya, to discover the skywatchers of our Earth, past and present. (General Audience)
Field Trip to the Moon
Mission Control … we're ready for lift-off. Take a virtual journey to the Moon created using NASA engineering models and scientific data. Like NASA's astronauts, come face-to-face with the challenges and excitement of traveling through space to land on the Moon. Along the way, discover some of the differences between the Earth and the Moon and what makes our planet unique and habitable. (Family audience)
Great Space Adventure
If you thought space exploration was just for astronauts, think again! Discover what you can see from right here on 'Spaceship Earth' as we whiz through the solar system at breakneck speed! Spectacular video imagery shows some of the most fantastic sights in our solar system, from volcanoes on Mars to the rings of Saturn. Explore our solar system, and discover what you can see with your own two eyes from right here in your backyard. (Family audience)
Journey to the Stars
Featuring extraordinary images from telescopes on the ground and in space and stunning, never-before-seen visualizations of physics-based simulations, this new show launches visitors through space and time to experience the life and death of the stars in our night sky, including our own nurturing Sun. Tour familiar stellar formations, explore new celestial mysteries, and discover the fascinating, unfolding story that connects us all to the stars. Those who come along for the journey may never see the night sky in the same way again. (General Audience)
Our Place in Space
There's no place like home! Take an unforgettable adventure through our cosmic neighborhood as you discover the wonders of our solar system and beyond. Journey from our Sun to the farthest reaches of the cosmos in this new show featuring multi-media enhancements. (General Audience)
Sky Views
Explore our night sky as never before! Take a tour of the skies and discover the constellations, planets, nebulae, and other stunning night sky objects that can be seen in the night sky. Spectacular video imagery will bring viewers up close to black holes, star-forming nebulae, and more, showing the newest discoveries in astrophysics while instilling a sense of wonder about our universe.. (General Audience)
Strange and Distant Worlds
Could there be life elsewhere in the Universe? In their search for Earth-like worlds, astronomers have discovered some truly strange worlds! Come experience the newest discoveries in the cutting-edge science of exoplanet astronomy in this unique, visually stunning new planetarium show.
The Cormack Planetarium
In 1993, the Cormack Planetarium completed its first major renovation since its construction in 1953. The Planetarium features a state-of-the-art Zeiss star projector and an enlarged domed ceiling on which the stars are projected. In 2008, the planetarium upgraded its multi-media capabilities. In 2012, the planetarium received a full dome projection system.
Scope of Planetarium Renovations
The renovations to the Planetarium involved rebuilding the entire facility.
Structural steel girders in the attic above the planetarium were moved to accommodate the new, larger dome. The dome measures 14' high and 28' in diameter. The walls of the room were reconfigured and a dramatic new entrance was added.
The heart of the Planetarium is a Zeiss star projector. This projector is able to show the starry sky and the motions of the planets in unprecedented detail. The projector is fully computer controlled so that it may precisely reproduce the motions seen in the sky. In 2009 the planetairum received an upgrade to its sound system and installed a LCD video projection system.
In 2012 a new full dome video system was installed with special showings throughout the year.