By Planetarium Staff—
MUNCIE, IN—All regular planetarium programs are free of charge, cash donations are accepted at the door. No tickets or reservations are required for public planetarium shows except for our annual “Astronomy SLAM!”. 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.
August
We Are Stars
Fridays: Aug. 18, 25 at 6:30pm
Saturdays: Aug. 19, 26 at 6:30pm
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 all ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
Summer Skies Live
Saturdays: Aug. 19, 26 at 5:00pm
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
Eclipse: The Sun Revealed
Saturdays: Aug. 19, 26 at 3:30pm
There will be a total solar eclipse visible from Muncie on April 8, 2024, and a partial solar eclipse visible from Muncie on October 14, 2023. 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 all ages 9+, all ages are welcome.
September
Moons: Worlds of Mystery
Fridays: Sept. 8, 15, 29 at 6:30pm
Saturdays: Sept. 9, 16, 30 at 6:30pm
Take a journey through our solar system and explore the remarkable diversity—and surprising might—of moons! From volcanoes and geysers to ice-covered oceans and methane rain, these natural satellites have some spectacular features, and many even exert a surprising influence on their planetary partners. Learn what these celestial bodies reveal about the history and workings of our solar system.
Suitable for all ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
Eclipse: The Sun Revealed
Saturdays: Sept. 9, 16, 30 at 5:00pm
There will be a total solar eclipse visible from Muncie on April 8, 2024, and a partial solar eclipse visible from Muncie on October 14, 2023. 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 all ages 9+, all ages are welcome.
Magic Treehouse: Space Mission
Saturdays: Sept. 9, 16, 30 at 3:30pm
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.” 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!
Best suited for families and groups with pre-K through 1st grade learners, all ages are welcome.
October
Halloween: Celestial Origins
Fridays: Oct. 20, 27 at 6:30pm
Saturdays: Oct. 21, 28 at 5:00pm & 6:30pm
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.
Earth, Moon, and Sun
Saturdays: Oct. 21, 28 at 3:30pm
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
Destination Mars
Fridays: Nov. 10, 17 at 6:30pm
Saturdays: Nov. 11, 18 at 6:30pm
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 all ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
Dynamic Earth
Saturdays: Nov. 11, 18 at 5:00pm
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.
Eclipse: The Sun Revealed
Saturdays: Nov. 11, 18 at 3:30pm
There will be a total solar eclipse visible from Muncie on April 8, 2024, and a partial solar eclipse visible from Muncie on October 14, 2023. 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 all ages 9+, all ages are welcome.
December
The Christmas Star
Fridays: Dec. 1, 8 at 6:30pm
Saturdays: Dec. 2, 9 at 5:00pm & 6:30pm
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.
Magic Treehouse: Space Mission
Saturdays: Dec. 2, 9 at 3:30pm
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.” 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!
Best suited for families and groups with pre-K through 1st grade learners, all ages are welcome.
One free pair of solar eclipse glasses will be provided to each planetarium show guest for a suggested cash donation of $1, while supplies last. Glasses are partially funded through support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Learn more about the upcoming solar eclipses happening at Ball State to prepare for these spectacular events.
Program Information
- Cost: FREE, cash donations are accepted at the door. No reservations are required for public planetarium shows except for our annual “Astronomy SLAM!”. However, plan to arrive early as seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited.
- Runtime: Approximately 50 minutes total with live sky tour.
- We do our best to have doors open 30 minutes before show time.
Planetarium Information
- NOTE: 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.
- The planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Complex, at 2111 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie.
- 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.
- We greatly appreciate your support to make our programs possible, and cash donations are accepted at the door.
For directions and parking information, as well as general policies, please visit the Charles W. Brown Planetarium website.
Interested in scheduling a private educational visit to the planetarium? Request a planetarium visit for your Ball State class or group online.
