By Planetarium staff—
All regular planetarium programs are free of charge. No tickets or reservations are required for public planetarium shows except for our annual “Astronomy SLAM!”.
September
The Universe Overhead
Fridays: Sept. 2, 9, 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Sept. 3, 10, 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Scientists expected a lot from the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest optical telescope launched into space—especially after teams worked for decades to design and construct it. Fortunately, they were not let down by the first images released earlier this summer. Scientists and the public are still in awe over the images coming from this spectacular telescope. Come explore the science team’s current findings while traveling through our universe in both space and time during this live presentation.
Suitable for all ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
Dynamic Earth
Saturdays: Sept. 3, 10, 17 at 5:00 p.m.
Dynamic Earth explores the inner workings of Earth’s great life support system: the global climate. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
Suitable for all ages 12+, all ages are welcome.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure
Saturdays: Sept. 3, 10, 17 at 3:30 p.m.
“One World, One Sky” is a brilliant program that follows Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a new friend from China. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. They will also find shapes in the sky that will help them find the North Star. This cross-cultural adventure opens children’s eyes to the sky, helping them see how people all over the world are connected.
Best suited for families and groups with pre-K through 1st grade learners, all ages are welcome.
October
Halloween: Celestial Origins
Fridays: Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Oct. 1, 8, 29 at 6:30 p.m.
What do you associate with Halloween? Trick-or-Treating, costumes… astronomy? After all, Halloween is an astronomical holiday! During this program you will learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day.” We will also explore the night sky and learn what planets, constellations, and stars will be out on your Halloween evening.
Suitable for all ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
Eclipse: The Sun Revealed
Saturdays: Oct. 1, 8, 29 at 5:00 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, and explains how to safely see these awe-inspiring sights.
Most suitable for ages 10+, all ages are welcome.
Earth, Moon, and Sun
Saturdays: Oct. 1, 8, 29 at 3:30 p.m.
Coyote has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors. His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system and learn to distinguish between myths and science. Learn the basics of fusion and solar energy and why the Sun rises and sets.
Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
November
Solar Superstorms
Fridays: Nov. 11, 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Nov. 12, 19 at 6:30 p.m.
A fury is building on the surface of the Sun… high-velocity jets, a fiery tsunami wave that reaches 100,000km high, and rising loops of electrified gas are energized by what is going on underneath its surface. Will these “storms” affect Earth? Find the answer as we venture into the seething interior of our star to learn how they are formed. Solar Superstorms takes viewers into the tangle of magnetic fields and superhot plasma that vent the Sun’s rage in dramatic flares, violent solar tornadoes, and the largest eruptions in the solar system: Coronal Mass Ejections.
Suitable for all ages 10+, all ages are welcome.
SEEING! A Look Inside the Eye
Saturdays: Nov. 12, 19 at 5:00 p.m.
Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, “SEEING!” follows a photon’s creation and journey across the galaxy to a young stargazer’s eye where we learn about anatomy more than astronomy. The viewer follows the photon into the girl’s eye, learning the structures of the eye and their functions, prior to taking a ride on the optic nerve.
Suitable for all ages 12+, all ages are welcome.
ASTRONAUT
Saturdays: Nov. 12, 19 at 3:30 p.m.
The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut? Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut, explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, and discover the perils that lurk in space as we subject Chad, our test astronaut, to everything space has to throw at him. Narrated by Ewan McGregor.
Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
December
The Christmas Star
Fridays: Dec. 2, 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Dec. 3, 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Over the years many people have tried to explain the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the Bible. Can the star be explained as an exploding star, a comet, or some other natural event in the sky? Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions will be discussed.
Suitable for all ages 10+, all ages are welcome.
We Are Astronomers
Saturdays: Dec. 3, 10 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.
Suitable for all ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
The Solar System for Kids!
Saturdays: Dec. 3, 10 at 3:30 p.m.
Stay warm inside with your young learners while visiting some of the coldest places in our Solar System. Come explore the many objects of the Solar System, including the Sun, all the major planets, the asteroids, and Pluto during this live presentation for kids.
Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+, 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. Please plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and arrive on time for the program. Entrances to the planetarium are accessible via the north side of the building only, as the pathway between the Cooper Science Complex and the Ball Gym is blocked off. Visit our location and transportation webpage for up-to-date information.
- Follow all COVID-19 protocols and procedures.
- No reservations are required for these 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.
- 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.
Interested in scheduling a private educational visit to the planetarium? Request a planetarium visit for your Ball State class or group online.
