By Planetarium Staff—
MUNCIE, Ind.—Showtimes subject to change due to nearby construction. Due to the construction, select parking and pathway access to the planetarium is blocked off. Plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and arrive on time for the program. Visit our location and transportation webpage for up-to-date information. All planetarium programs are free of charge. No tickets or reservations are required for public planetarium shows.
The Moon for Kids!
Fridays – June 3, 10 at 3:30 p.m.
Through this mix of engaging, live presentation and short planetarium videos, learn about the Moon and its features like the Maria, craters, and the Moon’s lack of atmosphere. Learn about the Moon’s apparent motion throughout the day, including rise and set locations, and how this compares to its motion throughout the month. Observe how the Moon’s appearance changes over time as well, by exploring the Moon’s phases.
This program is most suitable for advanced Kindergarteners up to children in the 2nd grade, all ages are welcome. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Planet Nine
Fridays – June 3, 10 at 5:00 p.m.
Astronomers have found many planets orbiting other stars in our galaxy. But have they found new planets within our own Solar System recently? Astronomers continue to scan the sky for a hypothetical ninth planet beyond Neptune. Follow Mike Brown and his team at CalTech as they uncover dwarf worlds whose orbits take them deep into the far reaches of the Solar System. Could there be another planet beyond these distant objects? Join us on the hunt!
Most suitable for ages 12+, all ages are welcome.
Summer Skies Live
Fridays – June 3, 10 at 6:30 p.m.
People often peer into the darkness of the night sky and wonder, “what is out there?” Seemingly dark regions of space are actually filled with nebulae, star clusters, and other galaxies. Come learn how to navigate the sky by using bright stars and constellations with the help of a star chart, and discover what fascinating objects exist deep in space.
Most suitable for all ages 8+, all ages welcome
Destination Mars
Fridays – July 1, 15 at 3:30 p.m.
Ever wonder what it would be like to fly to Mars? NASA – and others – have their sights set on the Red Planet and they are building the technology to get us there! Explore the work being done around the globe to help make the dream of getting humans to Mars a reality. Fly to and see inside the International Space Station, where astronauts are already living and working in space, and follow the rockets and vehicles that will take humans beyond the Moon and, one day, all the way to Mars! Travel along as we imagine this remarkable journey.
Most suitable for ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
We Are Astronomers
Fridays – July 1, 15 at 5:00 p.m.
Narrated by David Tennant, we explore what exactly astronomers do in this new program. Today’s astronomer is not the lone observer of past centuries. This program reveals the global collaboration, technology, and dedication required to answer the unresolved questions of the Universe and features info on NASA’s recently-launched James Webb Space Telescope.
Most suitable for ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
Eclipse 2024: The Sun Revealed
Fridays – July 1, 15 at 6:30 p.m.
There will be a total eclipse of the Sun visible from Muncie, Indiana in just two years. A total solar eclipse is such a spectacular event, it is never too early to start planning for one. Come learn how solar and lunar eclipses happen, and about scientific discoveries that have been supported by total solar eclipses. This show also uses beautiful visuals to explore the historical and cultural view of eclipses.
Most suitable for ages 10+, all ages are welcome.
Cool Solar System, Dude!
Fridays – August 12, 19 at 3:30 p.m.
We’re not going to lie; our Solar System is pretty cool. Come explore the many objects of the Solar System, including the Sun, all the major planets, the asteroids, and Pluto during this live presentation. Most suitable for ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
We Are Stars
Fridays – August 12, 19 at 5:00 p.m.
Narrated by Andy Serkis, this program seeks to answer some of the biggest questions of all time. What are we made of? Where did it all come from? Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry, our explosive origins and connect life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe. A family-friendly film full of fun, adventure, and enlightenment.
Most suitable for ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
Big Astronomy
Fridays – August 12, 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Explore world-class observatories, learn why Chile is an ideal environment for astronomy, and meet some of the diverse people who make BIG discoveries possible.
Most suitable for ages 10+, all ages are welcome.
Planetarium Information:
- Due to construction being done on the Cooper Science Complex, select parking and pathway access to the planetarium is blocked off. Plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and arrive on time for the program. Visit our location and transportation webpage for up-to-date information.
- For the safety of our guests and employees, please do not enter the planetarium if you have or recently had COVID-19 symptoms. Masks are not required inside the Brown Planetarium and all other Ball State buildings.
- No reservations are required for public planetarium shows. However, plan to arrive early as seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited.
- Planetarium shows are free of charge. We appreciate your support to make this possible.
- We do our best to have doors open 30 minutes before show time.
- Food, drinks, gum or candy are not allowed in the planetarium.
- Cellphones and any electronics that emit light must be silenced or turned off at the start of all programs. Please refrain from wearing light-up shoes to any planetarium programs.
- Children 17 years and under should be accompanied by an adult.
- The planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Complex, at 2111 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie.
For directions and parking information, as well as general policies, please visit the Charles W. Brown Planetarium website.
