Summer Planetarium Schedule
Daily at 2:00pm!
New! Sky Views
Show lasts approximately 35 minutes.

1:00pm Thursdays - Sundays Short Feature:
Salute to Apollo Planetarium Documentary

Photograph by Richard Benjamin

It is suggested that you arrive early to purchase tickets; seating is limited.

General admission is $3, children under 8 are $2. (includes Museum entrance fee and planetarium short feature offered during July and August on Thursdays - Sundays at 1:00pm) Children under age 4 are not permitted into the Planetarium.

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.

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Planetarium Programs

3-2-1 Blast Off!
Join cybernauts Devin and Alex aboard the Sol 1 for an amazing tour of the Sun, planets, moons and other nearby worlds. (Family Show)

Clouds of Fire: Origin of Stars
The origin of the universe has fascinated astronomers throughout history. This planetarium program presents an overview of star formations and the astronomical instruments that help us gain a clearer picture of the life cycles of stars. Discover how the cycle of star birth and death created a rich blend of elements that formed our own solar system. (General Audience)

Images of the Infinite: Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope is the most famous telescope and the most productive spacecraft ever launched, but it's much more than just pretty pictures. Come find out what Hubble's discoveries tell us about the Universe, from nearby planets to the most distant galaxies.  (General Audience)

Our Cosmic Journey in Space
While solving a crossword puzzle about the sky, endangered animals explore the cause of day and night, the importance of our star the Sun, the beauty of the constellations, and the variety of objects that make up the Universe. (Family Show)

Our Place in Space
Explore our solar system and discover its place in space. (General Audience)

Sky Views
Discover the patterns of stars visible in the night sky and what you might see tonight from your own backyard, featuring new multi-media enhancements. (General Audience) 

Spirits from the Sky: Thunder on the Land
Journey into the culture of the Skidi Band of the Pawnee Native American Nation. Skidi priests observed the appearance of planets, stars, constellation patterns and other astronomical phenomena occurring in predictable seasonal sequences.
(General Audience)

New! Salute to Apollo Planetarium Documentary Short Feature
Shows offered Thursdays - Sundays, starting July 10, at 1:00pm
Cost:$3.00/$2.00 children 4-7 (does includes Sky Views Planetarium Show)
One of man's greatest achievements was the landing of men on the Moon and successfully returning to Earth. Called the Apollo program, it captured the imagination and sparked the enthusiasm of the country. Celebrate the Apollo Missions during this short feature in the planetarium. Show lasts approximately 10 minutes.

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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. An enhanced Sky Views program is premiering during February School Vacation, February 18 - 22, 2008.

Scope of the 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. There is air conditioning and more comfortable seating.

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.

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