Planetarium
Planetarium shows are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 12:30, 2, and 3:30pm, with each time slot geared towards a different age group. 12:30 and 3:30pm shows are recommended for young children; 2pm shows, during which visitors explore what the sky will look like later that night, are live, interactive, and open to all ages.
From the mysteries of the moon and the search for life beyond Earth, to the stories that shape our stars, our Planetarium has shows for every level and interest. Check individual show descriptions below for more information. Please note that planetarium shows begin promptly as scheduled, and there is no admittance after they start.
In addition to our weekend screenings, planetarium shows are also offered on select holidays and during school breaks, known as School’s Out, Stars Are In (SOSI). Check back for more updates in our calendar.
The Planetarium is equipped with Radio Frequency Assisted Listening Systems (ALSs). Please ask a member of the Planetarium or visitor services staff for more information.
School & Group Visits
Interested in booking a planetarium show for your school, camp, Scout, or adult group? Learn more here.
Planetarium Birthday Parties & Rentals
Celebrate your special event in the HRM Planetarium! From your child’s next birthday party, to a unique anniversary or milestone celebration, let us take you and your guests on an exclusive, personal tour through the cosmos! Learn more here.
All Shows
Birth of Planet Earth
Join us for Birth of Planet Earth, which tells the twisted tale of our planet’s origins. Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to one billion planets roughly the size of our own. This program employs advanced, data-driven visualizations to explore some of the greatest questions in science today: How did Earth become a living planet in the wake of our solar system’s violent birth? What does its history tell us about our chances of finding other worlds that are truly Earth-like?
Recommended for ages 8+; 24-minute show plus Q&A. Advance reservations are encouraged.
Photo: Spitz Creative Media
Earth and Sky Science
Students explore sky motions and the relationships between objects, while surrounded by an accurate and richly detailed universe simulator.
Earth, Moon, and Sun
Join Coyote, a humorous character drawn from Native American oral traditions, as he explores the relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Through his amusing misconceptions about our planet and its celestial neighbors, viewers are prompted to think critically about how these three bodies interact as a system. Native American stories are woven throughout the show to highlight the distinction between myth and science.
Recommended for ages 5–10; 26-minute show plus Q&A. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged.
Four Tales of the Sky
Four cultures, four locations on Earth, four takes on stories in the stars. A mixture of live presentation and beautiful short films that tell stories of constellations, astronomical instruments, and scientific knowledge from various cultures around the world. Produced by One Sky Project, each story is in its own artistic style, featuring the work of international artists.
Recommended for ages 8+; 35-minute show plus Q&A. Advance reservations are encouraged.
Photo: One Sky Project/SG360/TMT/‘Imiloa/CalAcademy/NSF’s NOIRLab
The Great Solar System Adventure
Join showman extraordinaire “The Great Schiaparelli” as he takes you on a death-defying space-time adventure via his wondrous Observatorium. From the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond, prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System. Be warned! The Observatorium isn’t just for show—it will transport you right to the heart of some of the deadliest locations in our corner of the cosmos. It’s going to take some fancy flying to get everyone back in one piece!
Recommended for ages 6+; 25-minute show. Advance reservations are encouraged.
Habitat Earth
Living networks connect and support life forms large and small—from colonies of tiny microbes and populations of massive whales to ever-expanding human societies. Discover what it means to live in today’s connected world. Dive below the ocean’s surface, travel beneath the forest floor, and journey to new heights to witness the intricate intersection between human and ecological networks.
Recommended for ages 8+; 25-minute show plus Q&A. Advance reservations are encouraged.
Laser Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is a global pop sensation with more than 200 million records sold and a legacy of Grammys and devoted fans. Now, her biggest hits—like Anti-Hero, Love Story, and …Ready for It?—come to life in a dazzling laser light show. The Eras Tour may be over, but you can still rock your favorite Taylor Swift outfits and trade friendship bracelets at Laser Taylor Swift. A 55-minute spectacle you won’t want to miss!
Laser Taylor Swift is offered on the following days:
- Sunday, December 22, 3:30pm
- Monday, December 23, 3:30pm
- Tuesday, December 24, 3:30pm
- Thursday, December 26, 3:30pm
- Friday, December 27, 3:30pm
- Saturday, December 28, 3:30pm
- Saturday, December 28, 5pm
Laser Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is a global pop sensation with more than 200 million records sold and a legacy of Grammys and devoted fans. Now, her biggest hits—like Anti-Hero, Love Story, and …Ready for It?—come to life in a dazzling laser light show. The Eras Tour may be over, but you can still rock your favorite Taylor Swift outfits and trade friendship bracelets at Laser Taylor Swift. A 55-minute spectacle you won’t want to miss!
Laser Taylor Swift is offered on the following days:
- Sunday, December 22, 3:30pm
- Monday, December 23, 3:30pm
- Tuesday, December 24, 3:30pm
- Thursday, December 26, 3:30pm
- Friday, December 27, 3:30pm
- Saturday, December 28, 3:30pm
- Saturday, December 28, 5pm
Legends of the Night Sky: Perseus and Andromeda
The stars tell the story of beautiful Andromeda, who is punished by the gods for her mother’s bragging, sacrificed to a sea monster, and then rescued by Perseus.
Recommended for ages 8+; 25-minute show plus Q&A. Advance reservations are encouraged.
Little Skywatchers: A Cosmic Adventure
Join us for a gentle, musical, and interactive journey through the wonders of the night sky, perfect for young explorers just before naptime! Little ones will discover the Sun, Moon, stars, planets, and constellations while singing along to classic favorites and learning a few fun, astronomical tunes. Don’t forget your spacesuit and most importantly—your imagination!
Recommended for ages 3–6; 30-minute live show.
Magic Tree House: Space Mission
Travel with Jack and Annie, stars of the Magic Tree House® best-selling children’s book series, as they search for answers to a mysterious riddle they discover in a written note signed “–M.” Viewers peek into the treehouse and follow Jack and Annie on an exciting adventure as they meet a helpful astronomer and an astronaut. As they travel to an observatory and beyond into space, Jack and Annie nearly get . . . well, we don’t want to give the surprise away! The planetarium show Magic TreeHouse® Space Mission features series author Mary Pope Osborne.
Recommended for ages 4–8; 25-minute show plus Q&A. Advance reservations are encouraged.
Moonbase: The Next Step
Humans first walked on the Moon 55 years ago, and now rockets are taking passengers on their first flights there. In Moonbase: The Next Step, explore efforts to establish a permanent, scientific outpost on the Moon. With extreme conditions like radiation, low gravity, and toxic dust, the mission will push technology, bodies, and minds to the limit. We’ve taken the first steps, but what’s needed to continue this bold adventure?
Recommended for ages 8+; 21-minute show plus Q&A. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged.
Photo: Courtesy of Moonraker VFX Limited
Myths, Legends, and Travelers’ Tales
Explore constellations and the myths behind them in this live show.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure
Join Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend Hu Hu Zhu on a journey from Sesame Street to the Moon! Kids will discover how each planet is unique, why kites only fly on Earth, and learn about the Big Dipper, North Star, sun, and moon. An out-of-this-world adventure for little astronomers!
Recommended for ages 4–7; 25-minute show plus Q&A. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged.
Our Solar System
Survey the Solar System in this live show, exploring the planets, their major moons, and the collection of all objects gravitationally bound to the Sun.
Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon
December 2024 marks your last chance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon with an immersive, full-dome planetarium show. Organized around the album’s 10 iconic tracks, this show journeys through futuristic visions and retro nods to Pink Floyd’s visual legacy, creating a powerful blend of sound and space that transcends two-dimensional experience.
Produced by the award-winning UK studio NSC Creative, in collaboration with longtime Pink Floyd creative partner Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis, this 42-minute show promises an unforgettable, all-encompassing visual and audio treat.
Recommended for ages 10+; 42-minute show. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged.
Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon is offered on the following days:
- Saturday, December 7, 3:30pm
- Saturday, December 14, 3:30pm
- Friday, December 20, 7pm
- Saturday, December 21, 3:30pm
- Monday, December 23, 2pm
- Tuesday, December 24, 2pm
- Thursday, December 26, 2pm
- Friday, December 27, 2pm
- Sunday, December 29, 3:30pm
Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon
December 2024 marks your last chance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon with an immersive, full-dome planetarium show. Organized around the album’s 10 iconic tracks, this show journeys through futuristic visions and retro nods to Pink Floyd’s visual legacy, creating a powerful blend of sound and space that transcends two-dimensional experience.
Produced by the award-winning UK studio NSC Creative, in collaboration with longtime Pink Floyd creative partner Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis, this 42-minute show promises an unforgettable, all-encompassing visual and audio treat.
Recommended for ages 10+; 42-minute show. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged.
Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon is offered on the following days:
- Saturday, December 7, 3:30pm
- Saturday, December 14, 3:30pm
- Friday, December 20, 7pm
- Saturday, December 21, 3:30pm
- Monday, December 23, 2pm
- Tuesday, December 24, 2pm
- Thursday, December 26, 2pm
- Friday, December 27, 2pm
- Sunday, December 29, 3:30pm
The Sky Tonight
Embark on a captivating tour of the night sky as seen from our area, featuring visible planets, bright stars, seasonal constellations, periodic comets, upcoming rocket launches, and more!
November brings the Leonids, a bright, and sometimes colorful, meteor shower. Learn how to watch out for the Leonids, get a recap of this year, and look forward to the next.
In January, catch a rare daytime view of Venus, visible near the crescent Moon before sunset on the 3rd. We’ll also explore nighttime wonders, including the Andromeda Galaxy and other celestial sights.
Recommended for ages 8+; 60-minute live and interactive show. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged.
Sponsored by Domino Sugar Yonkers Refinery.
The Sky Tonight: Holiday Edition
Embark on a captivating tour of the night sky as seen from our area, featuring visible planets, bright stars, seasonal constellations, periodic comets, upcoming rocket launches, and more!
As we approach the Winter Solstice on December 21, discover the beauty of longer nights and the season’s celestial sights. This live, interactive show also explores ancient stories and traditions, like the Star of Bethlehem, holiday lights, and yule logs, and their fascinating ties to astronomy.
Recommended for ages 8+; 60-minute live and interactive show. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged.
Sponsored by Domino Sugar Yonkers Refinery.
The Sky Tonight: Holiday Edition
Embark on a captivating tour of the night sky as seen from our area, featuring visible planets, bright stars, seasonal constellations, periodic comets, upcoming rocket launches, and more!
As we approach the Winter Solstice on December 21, discover the beauty of longer nights and the season’s celestial sights. This live, interactive show also explores ancient stories and traditions, like the Star of Bethlehem, holiday lights, and yule logs, and their fascinating ties to astronomy.
Recommended for ages 8+; 60-minute live and interactive show. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged.
Sponsored by Domino Sugar Yonkers Refinery.
Tycho Goes to Mars
Join Tycho, a dog with a knack for getting into trouble, on his latest adventure as he discovers Mars up-close. See an ancient volcano, a gigantic canyon, and help Tycho search for water to power his kennel back home. But how will he find water on Mars when it looks so cold, dusty, and dry? Finding his way back home is not going to be easy. But if anyone can do it, Tycho can.
Recommended for ages 5–10; 27-minute show plus Q&A. Advance reservations are encouraged.
Produced by the Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks.
The Victorian’s Guide to the Galaxy
An original show, The Victorian’s Guide to the Galaxy explores what nineteenth-century scientists understood about their universe through developments in the field of astronomy at the time.
We Are Aliens
Earth. It’s now a small world. The human race is connected better and faster than ever before, but what about elsewhere? Could we one day be part of a galactic community sharing our knowledge and ideas? Or is Earth the only planet with life? We Are Aliens, narrated by Rupert Grint from the Harry Potter films, takes you on an epic ride in the hunt for the evidence of alien life.
Recommended for ages 8+; 25-minute show plus Q&A. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.
We Are Astronomers
Discover how astronomers share knowledge and answer our questions about the universe. Narrated by David Tennant, the “Tenth Doctor” in the British sci-fi series Doctor Who.
Recommended for ages 8+; 25-minute show plus Q&A. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.
We Are Stars
Join the Time Master, narrated by Andy Serkis (Gollum in The Lord of the Rings), on a 13.8-billion year adventure through time and space.
Recommended for ages 8+; 26-minute show plus Q&A. Advance reservations are encouraged.