Charles W. Brown Planetarium Summer 2023 (May-June) Free Show Schedule  

Visitors experience a presentation at the Charles W. Brown planetarium on the campus of Ball State University. Photo provided by BSUVisitors experience a presentation at the Charles W. Brown planetarium on the campus of Ball State University. Photo provided by BSU.

By Planetarium Staff—

All planetarium programs are free of charge, cash donations are accepted at the door. No tickets or reservations are required for public planetarium shows. 

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. www.bsu.edu/planetarium

May & June 

Eclipse: The Sun Revealed 

Fridays: May 12, 19; June 9 at 6:30pm
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 ages 9+, all ages are welcome. 


One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure 

Saturdays: May 13, 20; June 10 at 3:30pm 

“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. 


Sky Skills 

Saturdays: May 13, 20; June 10 at 5:00pm 

Start or expand your journey as a star gazer during this live presentation. Learn how the sky changes with the seasons. Use sky charts to find your way around the night sky and discover fascinating objects along the way.
Suitable for all ages 8+, all ages are welcome. 


We Are Stars 

Saturdays: May 13, 20; June 10 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 ages 8+, all ages are welcome. 


Program Information

  • Cost: FREE, cash donations are accepted at the door. 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.
  • 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.