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Show Library

Do you have a group that would like to visit the Planetarium? We have shows for all ages and seasons.

Schools and groups can select from this growing list of available shows. Visit our calendar of events for our current public show schedule

Top Picks

Cody Coyote's Adventure: Earth, Moon & Sun
Grades 2 – 5 and families

Cody Coyote's AdventureWhy do the Sun, Moon, and stars seem to move across the sky? Why are different evening star patterns visible at different times of the year? Why does the Moon seem to change shape from time to time? This entertaining and educational show explores the relationship between Earth, Moon and Sun with the help of Cody Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions. 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. Native American stories are used throughout the show to help distinguish between myths and science. Learn why the sun rises and sets and the basics of fusion and solar energy. Examine the moon's orbit, craters, phases and eclipses. Also, the show explores past and future space travel to our moon and beyond.

Michigan Science Standards

ESS1.A – 1-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-1
ESS1.B – 1-ESS1-2, 5-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-1
PS4.B – 1-PS4-2

From Earth to the Universe
Grades 6 to adult

From Earth to the UniverseAn immersive grand tour of the universe, this show starts with the splendor of the various worlds in the solar system and the ferocity of the scorching Sun. The program then leaves our home to take the audience out to the colorful birthplaces and burial grounds of stars, and still further out, beyond the Milky Way, to the unimaginable immensity of countless galaxies. Along the way, the audience will learn about famous astronomers, the invention of the telescope, and today’s giant telescopes that allow us continue to probe ever deeper into the universe.

Michigan Science Standards

ESS1.A – 5-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-3
ESS1.B – MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3
PS2.B – MS-PS2-4, MS-PS2-5

Perfect Little Planet
Grades 1 – 5 and families

Perfect Little PlanetImagine the ultimate space vacation! Discover our solar system through a new set of eyes – a family from another star system seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known Dwarf Planet. Dive over the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms of Jupiter. And walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose? A solar system journey for space travelers of all ages.

Michigan Science Standards

ESS1.B – MS-ESS1-3
ESS1.C – 4-ESS1-1
ESS2.C – 2-ESS2-3
PS3.B – K-PS2-1
LS1.C – K-LS1-1

Stars
Grades 4 to adult and families

StarsEvery star has a story. Some are as old as time, faint and almost forgotten. Others burn bright and end their lives in powerful explosions. New stars are created every day, born of vast clouds of gas and dust. Through every phase of their existence, stars release the energy that powers the universe. Journey to the farthest reaches of our galaxy and experience both the awesome beauty and destructive power of Stars. Features the voice talent of Mark Hamill.

Michigan Science Standards

ESS1.A – MS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-3
ESS1.B – MS-ESS1-3
PS2.B – MS-PS2-4, HSPS2-4
PS3.A – 4-PS3-2
PS3.B – 4-PS3-2
PS4.A – 4-PS3-1, MS-PS4-1
PS4.B – MS-PS4-2, HS-PS4-3

Complete Show Library (BY CATEGORY)

Earth, Sun & Moon
 

In My Backyard

Grades PreK – 2 and familiesIn My Backyard

Join children's entertainer Fred Penner as he explores things large and small, from the colors of the rainbow, to the reasons for the seasons. Through the use of entertaining songs and immersive environments, children are encouraged to participate while learning about the planets, constellations, meteors, the moon and more. Geared towards the youngest stargazers and scientists, In My Backyard is sure to instill a sense of wonder and exploration while encouraging children to explore their own backyards.


The Moon

Grades PreK – 2 and familiesThe Moon

The Moon targets grades K through 2 and focuses on observations of the moon. The show is a modular planetarium program that can play as a complete show or incorporate live interactive instructional segments. Hands-on activities can be demonstrated and discussed to round out a complete learning experience on lunar observation by early elementary students.

 


Sesame Street: One World, One Sky

Grades PreK – 2 and familiesSesame Street: One World, One Sky

Follow Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from Zhima Jie, the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the Moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. One World, One Sky is a brilliant spectacle of light and color as the furry friends watch the stars twinkle over Sesame Street. Children attending the show can interact as they watch, drawing constellations and counting the time it takes the Sun to set.


Cody Coyote's Adventure:
Earth, Moon and Sun

Grades 2 – 5 and families Cody Coyote's Adventure: Earth, Moon and Sun

Why do the Sun, Moon, and stars seem to move across the sky? Why are different evening star patterns visible at different times of the year? Why does the Moon seem to change shape from time to time? This entertaining and educational show explores the relationship between Earth, Moon and Sun with the help of Cody Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions. 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. Native American stories are used throughout the show to help distinguish between myths and science. Learn why the sun rises and sets and the basics of fusion and solar energy. Examine the moon's orbit, craters, phases and eclipses. Also, the show explores past and future space travel to our moon and beyond.

Michigan Science Standards

ESS1.A – 1-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-1
ESS1.B – 1-ESS1-2, 5-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-1
PS4.B – 1-PS4-2


Fly Me to the Moon

Grades K – 5 and familiesFly Me to the Moon

Combines the Apollo 11 mission with a whimsical twist involving three tween-aged flies who go along on an incredible space adventure. It introduces new generations to space exploration and the historic moment when the world was united for this awe-inspiring achievement.

NOTE: Fly Me to the Moon is a short presentation (17 Minutes) and should be scheduled along with another full-length show.


Back to the Moon for Good

Grades 4 to adult and familiesBack to the Moon for Good

Immerse yourself in a race to the Moon 45 years after the historic Apollo landings. Learn about the early days of lunar exploration, and the Moon’s resources. Discover what humanity’s future on the Moon might hold. See how a competition among privately funded international teams is ushering in a new era of lunar exploration.  Narrated by Tim Allen, Back to the Moon for Good presents the Google Lunar XPRIZE, and the personal stories of competition and collaboration it inspires. Narrated by Tim Allen.


CAPCOM GO!:
The Apollo StoryCAPCOM GO! Image

Grades 4 to adult and families

What led to the Apollo program and what was its legacy to the world? A show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing but also a look at how Apollo transformed space travel, technology, the economy, environmental awareness and so much more. A brand-new production by the award-winning group NSC Creative of Leicester, UK.


 ECLIPSE:
The Sun Revealed

Grades 4 to adultEclipse: The Sun Revealed

The next Great American Solar Eclipse is coming in 2024!  The coast-to-coast eclipse of 2017 drew record crowds across the country, even in places with only a partial eclipse.  The path of totality in 2024 comes closer to Michigan and its duration will be even longer. This updated fulldome production features exciting visuals that explore the historical and cultural views of eclipses, the geometry that gives us different kinds of eclipses, and recreations of what a total solar eclipse will look like. Audiences will see the best locations for viewing the 2024 eclipse and how to safely view it.  The show will also look at where U.S. residents can see the partial solar eclipse of 2021 and the annular solar eclipse of 2023.


Ice Worlds

Grades 4 to adult and familiesIce Worlds

Ice Worlds is an engaging and surprising tour of the icy landscapes of our solar system, especially our home planet Earth. It travels to the Arctic and Antarctic to examine the ecosystems that live there and see how their survival is connected with our own. Beyond Earth, we'll see how the existence of ice shapes the landscape and the natural systems on other planets and moons in our solar system. A live-narrated update from space missions to icy worlds like Pluto and Ceres is included with the show.


Solar Quest

Grades 5 to adult and familiesSolar Quest

Solar Quest is a full dome short feature (11 minutes) that demonstrates the interconnection of Earth and the Sun in what is called space weather. High quality animations display solar phenomena such as thermonuclear fusion and light energy as well as solar surface features and storm events. Granules, solar flares and coronal mass ejections are dramatically visualized. The show covers the impacts of Space Weather and how the Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field protects all life on Earth. Solar Quest features the role of NASA’s orbiting Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and how scientists are using it as a way to help identify and predict sever space weather. Actual videos of the Sun from SDO are used where the audience can actually see the phenomenal amounts of energy being released.


Dynamic Earth

Grades 6 to adult and familiesDynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth explores the inner workings of Earth's climate system. 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. Narrated by Academy-Award nominated actor Liam Neeson.


The Sun: Our Living Star

Grades 6 to adult and familiesThe Sun: Our Living Star

The Sun has shined on our world for four and a half billion years. The light that warms our skin today has been felt by every person who has ever lived. It is our nearest star and our planet’s powerhouse, the source of the energy that drives our winds, our weather and all life. The passage of the Sun’s fiery disc across the sky — day by day, month by month — was the only way to keep track of time for countless past civilizations. Don’t be fooled by the terminology; although it is a typical dwarf star, the Sun consumes 600 million tons of hydrogen each second and is 500 times as massive as all the planets combined. Discover the secrets of our star in this planetarium show and experience never-before-seen images of the Sun’s violent surface in immersive fulldome format.


Birth of Planet Earth

Grades 8 to adult

Birth of Planet EarthIn the fiery beginnings of our young solar system, worlds are born and obliterated. Gas giants stir chaos. And a young Sun vents its rage. How did Earth survive against all odds? This eye-opening 4K documentary tracks the perilous path our planet took in its early years through advanced, data-driven, cinema-quality CGI. It explores some of the greatest questions in science today: How did Earth become a living planet? What does its history tell us about our chances of finding other worlds that are truly Earth-like?

Nature

 The Enchanted Reef

Grades K - 5 and familiesEnchanted Reef

The vastness of our planet’s oceans guards unimaginable secrets. One of its most precious is Kaluoka’hina, The Enchanted Reef whose magic protects it against humans finding it. Kaluoka’hina’s colorful inhabitants live in peace until the volcano erupts, and the spell is broken. Now it’s up to Jake, the young sawfish, and his paranoid pal, Shorty, to restore the magic of Kaluoka’hina. Their only lead: the ancient legend that tells of touching the moon. An exciting adventure, packed with humor, sprinkled with conservationism, as well as educational flavor: a treat for the entire family. Spectacular underwater scenery, playful characters and the totally immersive environment of the Dome360 theater makes this show a must see.


Life Under the Arctic Sky

Grades 3 to adult and familiesLife Under the Arctic Sky

Two hundred miles north of the Arctic Circle, near the jagged tips of Norway’s crown, the sun does not set for weeks on end during the summer months, and the midnight sun bounces off fields of midsummer snow. This Dome360 film features the Sami People of northern Scandinavia as they follow the reindeer migrations, much like their ancestors. A total of 10 filming expeditions and 105 days were made to the Arctic to capture the Northern Lights, the Sami and their reindeer, dog sledding and the beautiful Arctic scenery.


Aurora: Lights of WonderAurora: Lights of Wonder

Grades 6 to adult

The aurora is the greatest wonder a human can experience in nature. Now, you can experience the actual aurora with the world’s first 4K x 4K real-time hemispherical immersive video.  Animations and CG were used to depict auroral myths and the science behind the aurora, also known as the northern or southern lights.  The show tells the story of how auroras are formed, the secret behind the colors, the best places to see them, their different shapes, auroras on other planets, and more.


Mysteries of the Great Lakes

All agesMysteries of the Great Lakes

All across the Great Lakes basin, there is a renewed interest in the health of the Lakes, and an increased awareness of the importance of this fresh water resource to the social and economic vitality of North America. Dubbed 'inland seas' by early European explorers, the Great Lakes have some of the most spectacular wilderness scenery on earth, and a fifth of all the planet's fresh water. It takes a drop of water nearly 400 years to travel from the headwaters of Lake Superior to the edge of Lake Ontario. Along the way, the water passes by towering cliffs dotted with early Native American pictographs, caribou and moose grazing on the shores, over giant prehistoric sturgeon lurking among thousands of shipwrecks and past nearly 40 million people who live along the more than 10,000 miles of coastline. It is a dramatic journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The film includes the talents of iconic Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot and is narrated by Canadian actor, Gordon Pinsent.

Science
 

Zula Patrol:
Under the Weather

Grades PreK – 2 and familiesZula Patrol: Under the Weather

From the far reaches of outer space, from the bright orange planet Zula, comes the Zula Patrol! Based on the NBC Saturday Morning TV series The Zula Patrol. The stalwart heroes of the Zula Patrol are on an expedition collecting samples of weather for scientist Multo's research -- using their loyal pet Gorga's ability to collect and bottle all kinds of weather. But when the Zula gang inadvertently hurts Gorga's feelings, he decides to leave Zula and find another planet to live on. Interplanetary villain Dark Truder then tricks Gorga into stealing the weather from other planets - part of his latest nefarious scheme to rule the universe. Join the Zula Patrol on the expedition as they tour our solar system trying to find their loyal pet Gorga. In the process, you will learn about different types of weather on Earth and the other planets as well as the similarities and differences between both. Don’t miss the surprise at the end! In addition, you'll tour the night sky as seen from your own backyard.


Molecularium

Grades K – 4 and familiesMolecularium

A magical, musical adventure into the world of atoms and molecules. After exploring the sky as we see it from Earth, this Dome360 experience takes you on a journey with "Oxy," "Hydro," "Hydra," and an amazing cast of atoms, aboard the most fantastic ship in the universe: the Molecularium. Molecularium brings kids on a musical cartoon adventure into a nanoscale universe created from accurate molecular simulation. Here they learn about the three states of matter as they travel into a cloud, watch a snowflake form, and count the number of water molecules in a rain drop. 


3-2-1 Liftoff!

Grades 3 to 6 and families3-2-1 Liftoff!

Most planetarium shows are about space. This story is about how hard it is to get there.

A hamster named Elon is a scientist who lives in a junkyard. He tries to fit in with the local rats, but no one takes him seriously. The rats aren’t interested in his scientific experiments.

One day, Elon hears a loud crash. In his garden he finds a burnt crater with a damaged robot inside. How did it get here? Elon fixes the robot and discovers it fell from a spaceship orbiting Earth. And the ship will be leaving in just a few hours!

And that’s how Elon’s great adventure starts. Will he manage to get the robot back on its ship before it leaves without him? 3-2-1 Liftoff! is an adventurous animated film about the courage and ingenuity you need to get into space, and back down to earth.


Two Small Pieces of Glass:
The Amazing Telescope

Grades 8 to adult and familiesTwo Small Pieces of Glass

Two students at a star party learn about the uses, history and discoveries that the telescope has made for humankind. This program helps us understand our place in the universe by showing us the view through our most important observational tool - the telescope. Galileo’s telescopic observations began a revolution, transforming our views of the cosmos and our place within. It is a revolution which, four hundred years later, continues. Today you can attend star parties where amateur astronomers set up their telescopes for public viewing. Views through such telescopes would have amazed Galileo. Discover the wonders that even a small amateur telescope can reveal and learn about the scientists that made such views possible.


Astronaut

Grades 4 to adult and familiesAstronaut

The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? Start by taking a live tour of the current night sky to discover amazing things for yourself. Then, to go further, 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 that space has to throw at him. Narrated by Ewan McGregor.


Dream to Fly

Grades 4 to adult and familiesDream to Fly

People have always wanted to fly. From ancient myths of the phoenix and the flying carpet to legends of flying gods and dragons, humans have treasured the dream to fly like the birds. The ancient Chinese achieved flight of a sort with their kites, and Hindus believed in vimanas carrying warriors through the skies. Artist and visionary inventor Leonardo da Vinci sketched out his dreams of flight by mechanical means, and kept the dream alive. The history of flight is a story of innovation and discovery, through the achievements of the Montgolfier brothers and their balloons to Louis Bleriot, Otto Lilienthal, and the Wright Brothers, who pioneered powered flight. The use of planes in both wartime and peacetime is woven into the history of the 20th century. Today, we use amazing jets to fly around the globe. Our ultimate goal -- the stars -- is now part of humanity's ancient visions of flight.


 The Secrets of GravityThe Secrets of Gravity Poster

Grades 4 to adult and families

Winner of 8 film festival awards, this exceptional 360° fulldome experience is about Albert Einstein’s discoveries, the fascination of our universe and the belief in our dreams. The story follows Luke, the young magician’s apprentice, who is more interested in the secrets of the universe than magic spells. So, one night he sneaks into the Albert Einstein Museum, where he meets ALBY, a small, clever but rather quirky robot who knows all about Albert Einstein and his theories. ALBY takes Luke on a magical journey of discovery through time and space, during which they not only uncover the secrets of gravity but also learn much about friendship and imagination. For Luke and ALBY both have secrets of their own.


Cosmic Colors

Grades 5 to adult and familiesCosmic Colors

Cosmic Colors will take you on a wondrous journey across something called the "electromagnetic spectrum." Discover the many reasons for color – like why the sky is blue and why Mars is red. Take a tour within a plant leaf and journey inside the human eye. Investigate x-rays by voyaging to a monstrous black hole and then back at your doctor's office. You will even see the actual color of a dinosaur - based on recent evidence. You'll also explore the night sky and the awesome colors visible there. Get ready for an amazing adventure under a rainbow of cosmic light.


Aurora: Lights of Wonder

Grades 6 to adultAurora: Lights of Wonder

The aurora is the greatest wonder a human can experience in nature. Now, you can experience the actual aurora with the world’s first 4K x 4K real-time hemispherical immersive video.  Animations and CG were used to depict auroral myths and the science behind the aurora, also known as the northern or southern lights.  The show tells the story of how auroras are formed, the secret behind the colors, the best places to see them, their different shapes, auroras on other planets, and more.


Big Astronomy

Grades 6 to adultBig Astronomy

“Big Astronomy” showcases Chile’s grand observatories and the people who push the limits of technology and what we know about the universe using world-class telescopes. With its high, dry, and dark sites, Chile is one of the best places in the world for observational astronomy. The show takes you to three of the many telescopes along Chile’s mountains. The movie demonstrates how it takes many people with diverse backgrounds, talents and skills to run a world-class observatory. Engineers, machinists, computer scientists, administrators, cooks, cleaning staff, educators, builders are among the varying types of professionals who support astronomical discovery.


 Cell Cell Cell

Grades 6 to adultCell Cell Cell

You are made of 70 trillion living cells. They work. They talk. They think.  They are what make you alive.  This is the story of the trillions of cells that form our bodies, from our beginnings as a single cell to the complexity of a whole body:  it’s the story of who we are. Join Raj and Sooki on a totally ex-CELL-ent immersive journey. Get shrunk down by the Shrink-a-tron, go back in time with the Retroscope and see an exploded view of all the body systems courtesy of the Cell-o-tron.


Chasing the Ghost Particle

Grades 6 to adult and familiesChasing the Ghost Particle

Deep in the ice at the heart of Antarctica, the largest and strangest detector in the world waits for mysterious messengers from the cosmos. The detector is "IceCube!" The messengers are neutrinos - ghostly particles that give us tantalizing clues into the universe of exploding stars and black holes. This show tells the incredible story of how an international team of scientists and engineers transformed one billion tons of Antarctic ice into a telescope. Building IceCube was a gigantic endeavor driven by our human passion to discover and explore. You will witness stunning views of the South Pole, captivating animations of the IceCube detectors capturing a neutrino collision - and eye-catching views of the cosmos.


SeeingSeeing Show Poster

Grades 8 to adult

Follow the journey of a single photon as it is produced in a distant star, before traveling across the vast expanse of space to land on someone's retina. This fulldome planetarium show explores some of the fascinating processes of the cosmos, from astrophysics to the biology of the eye and brain. The show is narrated by astronomer and science communicator, Neil deGrasse Tyson.  

Seasonal & Holiday

Season of Light

All agesSeason of Light

Season of Light celebrates many of the world's holiday customs and explores how diverse cultures light up the season.  The show recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of the winter solstice - not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Irish, Mexican, and Hopi.  It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe, to songs about lords a-leap-ing and ladies dancing, and the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well.

Solar System

Perfect Little Planet

Grades 1 – 5 and familiesPerfect Little Planet

Imagine the ultimate space vacation! Discover our solar system through a new set of eyes – a family from another star system seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known Dwarf Planet. Dive over the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms of Jupiter. And walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose? A solar system journey for space travelers of all ages.

Michigan Science Standards

ESS1.B – MS-ESS1-3
ESS1.C – 4-ESS1-1
ESS2.C – 2-ESS2-3
PS3.B – K-PS2-1
LS1.C – K-LS1-1


Secret of the Cardboard Rocket

Grades 1 – 5 and familiesThe Secret of the Cardboard Rocket

This adventure is the story of two children who build a rocket out of a refrigerator box and take a fantastic journey through the solar system with the help of a magical book and their own vivid imaginations. Experience our Solar System - from the boiling surface of the sun… to the icy rings of Saturn. Children of all ages will be mesmerized by the incredible scenery and motion that only the Dome360 system can offer. Provides an excellent introduction to the planets of our Solar System.


 

Edge of Darkness

Grades 4 to adultEdge of Darkness

Edge of Darkness features amazing scenes of places never before seen gathered by recent space missions that culminated with groundbreaking discoveries. It features a spectacular flight though the great cliffs on Comet 67P, a close look at the fascinating bright "lights" on Ceres, and the first ever close ups of dwarf binary planet Pluto/Charon and its moons. Narrated by Hayley Atwell, Agent Carter, from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the ABC television series. 


Incoming!

Grades 4 to adult and familiesIncoming! Image

Explore the past, present, and future of our solar system and the landmark discoveries scientists have made sending spacecraft to visit tiny worlds. Along the way, audiences will discover what impacts from above can teach us—and how scientific advances may allow us to find and track cosmic threats before they reach Earth. Cutting-edge visualizations will bring data from current NASA missions to life while taking audiences on an immersive journey into the hidden secrets of the smaller bodies of the solar system. Narrated by George Takei.


To Worlds BeyondTo Worlds Beyond Poster

Grades 4 to adult

From the fiery surface of the Sun to the icy realm of comets, travel to worlds with enormous volcanoes, vast canyons, dazzling rings, and storms that would swallow Earth. Learn more about Mars and Pluto too! Narrated by Star Trek’s John Billingsley.

 

 


From Earth to the Universe

Grades 6 to adultFrom Earth to the Universe

An immersive grand tour of the universe, this show starts with the splendor of the various worlds in the solar system and the ferocity of the scorching Sun.  The program then leaves our home to take the audience out to the colorful birthplaces and burial grounds of stars, and still further out, beyond the Milky Way, to the unimaginable immensity of countless galaxies. Along the way, the audience will learn about famous astronomers, the invention of the telescope, and today’s giant telescopes that allow us continue to probe ever deeper into the universe.

Michigan Science Standards

ESS1.A – 5-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-3
ESS1.B – MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3
PS2.B – MS-PS2-4, MS-PS2-5

Stars & Constellations

 

Legends of the Night Sky

Grades PreK – 5 and familiesLegends of the Night Sky: Perseus and Andromeda

Two classic Greek stories are included in this show. First is the story of the king and queen, their princess, monsters and the hero who saves the day. The show is a fun-filled retelling of the tale of the beautiful but unfortunate Princess Andromeda, who in divine punishment for her mother’s bragging, is sacrificed to a sea monster—and rescued by the Greek hero Perseus.

The second story is about Orion, the great hunter and constellation of the winter sky. It’s ideal for family audiences and younger viewers. Greek mythology will never seem the same once you’ve seen these fun-filled productions.


The Little Star That Could

Grades K – 3 and familiesThe Little Star that Could

The Little Star That Could is a story about Little Star, an average yellow star in search of planets of his own to protect and warm. Along the way, he meets other stars, learns what makes each star special, and discovers that stars combine to form star clusters and galaxies. Eventually, Little Star finds his planets. Each planet is introduced with basic information about our solar system.


Follow The Drinking Gourd

Grades 1 – 5Follow the Drinking Gourd

Black slaves escaping to freedom followed a path north across the United States known as "The Underground Railroad." As with most peoples of the past, the night sky was special to them, and they used "The Drinking Gourd" or "The Big Dipper" to help them find their way. Find out why the Big Dipper was so important as we explore their dangerous journey north.

NOTE: Follow the Drinking Gourd is a short presentation and should be scheduled along with another full-length show.  Additionally, Follow the Drinking Gourd is not a full-dome presentation.


Stars

Grades 4 to adult and familiesStars

Every star has a story. Some are as old as time, faint and almost forgotten. Others burn bright and end their lives in powerful explosions. New stars are created every day, born of vast clouds of gas and dust. Through every phase of their existence, stars release the energy that powers the universe. Journey to the farthest reaches of our galaxy and experience both the awesome beauty and destructive power of Stars. Features the voice talent of Mark Hamill.

Michigan Science Standards

ESS1.A – MS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-3
ESS1.B – MS-ESS1-3
PS2.B – MS-PS2-4, HSPS2-4
PS3.A – 4-PS3-2
PS3.B – 4-PS3-2
PS4.A – 4-PS3-1, MS-PS4-1
PS4.B – MS-PS4-2, HS-PS4-3


Stars of the Pharaohs

Grades 5 to adult and familiesStars of the Pharaohs

Travel to ancient Egypt to see how science was used to tell time, make a workable calendar, and align huge buildings. You’ll learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phenomena, and experience some of the most spectacular temples and tombs of the ancient world recreated in all their original splendor. Narrated by John Rhys-Davies.

Universe

Beyond the Sun

Grades 2 to 5 and familiesBeyond the Sun

While Celeste is fighting off sleep in her room by reading a book on astronomy, she receives an unexpected visit from Moon. Together, they will enjoy a journey through the universe to discover what exoplanets are and how they can be detected. They observe rogue planets, oceanic worlds and super-Earths. Moon tells her about exoplanet hunters, who observe the sky in search of planets like Earth. Many adventures are yet to come. But first, she needs some rest. Celeste drops off to sleep waiting for the next visit of Moon.


Dark Universe

Grades 3 to adult and familiesDark Universe

Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Dark Universe brings audiences to the cutting edge of cosmic exploration to reveal the breakthroughs that have led astronomers to confront two great cosmic mysteries: dark matter and dark energy.

In stunningly detailed scenes based on authentic scientific data—including a NASA probe’s breathtaking plunge into Jupiter’s atmosphere and novel visualizations of unobservable dark matter—Dark Universe celebrates the pivotal discoveries that have led us to greater knowledge of the universe and to new frontiers for exploration.


The Search for Life in Space

Grades 4 to adult and familiesThe Search for Life in Space

Journey from the depths of the Pacific Ocean into the far reaches of space on a quest to find something that changes everything…signs of life, somewhere else in the universe. This immersive voyage takes audiences from the surface of Mars and the icy moons of Jupiter to the extreme lava fields of Hawaii and thermal vents deep beneath the sea. In these harsh environments, astrobiologists look for clues to how life takes hold. The Search for Life will make you re-examine such fundamental questions as: “Where did we come from?”, “How did we get here?” and “Are we alone?”  Narrated by Malcom McDowell.


The Secrets of GravityThe Secrets of Gravity Poster

Grades 4 to adult and families

Winner of 8 film festival awards, this exceptional 360° fulldome experience is about Albert Einstein’s discoveries, the fascination of our universe and the belief in our dreams. The story follows Luke, the young magician’s apprentice, who is more interested in the secrets of the universe than magic spells. So, one night he sneaks into the Albert Einstein Museum, where he meets ALBY, a small, clever but rather quirky robot who knows all about Albert Einstein and his theories. ALBY takes Luke on a magical journey of discovery through time and space, during which they not only uncover the secrets of gravity but also learn much about friendship and imagination. For Luke and ALBY both have secrets of their own.


 Ultimate Universe
Grades 5 to adult and familiesUltimate Universe

From the edge of space and time, through vast fields of wondrous galaxies, to the majesty of our solar system, this show will take audiences on a grand tour of the universe and lets them experience its most provocative secrets. The show is a three dimensional journey from the edge of the universe through space and time to reach our home planet, witnessing the major components of the cosmos along the way. On this breathtaking excursion, you’ll witness the formation of galaxies and explore some of the most wondrous nebulae and astronomical structures yet discovered. As your travels continue, you’ll fly deep into our own Milky Way Galaxy and return home to Earth on a spectacular tour through the solar system.


Black Holes Revisited

Grades 6 to adult and familiesBlack Holes

Few mysteries in the universe have the power and awe of a black hole. Only now are we on the verge of understanding their true nature. What are they? How are they made? Is the earth in danger of being pulled into one? Black Holes takes you on a journey through one of the most mystifying, awe-inspiring phenomena in the universe. Where do they come from? Where do they go? How do we find them? Discover the answers in this immersive dome production using the latest in animation visualization technology. Narrated by film actor John de Lancie (Q in Star Trek: the Next Generation).


Extreme Planets

Grades 6 to adult and familiesExtreme Planets

Up until 1995 there were no known planets orbiting sun like stars outside our own solar system. Since then, fast-paced developments in astronomy have revealed over 3000 extrasolar planets--with the pace of discovery increasing all the time. Though it will be years before we have direct images of the surfaces of these worlds, this show gives us an idea of what they might look like - up close and personal! Extreme Planets explores the idea of what "Earth-like" even means, and takes an immersive voyage to several worlds that will stretch the imagination but aren't science fiction anymore. Narrated by Rene Auberjonois.


From Earth to the Universe

Grades 6 to adultFrom Earth to the Universe

An immersive grand tour of the universe, this show starts with the splendor of the various worlds in the solar system and the ferocity of the scorching Sun.  The program then leaves our home to take the audience out to the colorful birthplaces and burial grounds of stars, and still further out, beyond the Milky Way, to the unimaginable immensity of countless galaxies. Along the way, the audience will learn about famous astronomers, the invention of the telescope, and today’s giant telescopes that allow us continue to probe ever deeper into the universe.

Michigan Science Standards

ESS1.A – 5-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-3
ESS1.B – MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3
PS2.B – MS-PS2-4, MS-PS2-5


Dark Matter Mystery

Grades 9 to adultThe Dark Matter Mystery

What keeps Galaxies together? What are the building blocks of the universe? What makes the universe look the way it looks today? Researchers all around the world try to answer these questions. We know today that approximately a quarter of the universe is filled with a mysterious glue scientists call Dark Matter. We know that it is out there. But we have no idea what it is made out of. This show takes you on the biggest quest of contemporary astrophysics. Join the scientists on their hunt for Dark Matter with experiments in space and deep underground. Will they be able to solve the Dark Matter Mystery?


Phantom of the UniversePhantom of the Universe Poster

Grades 9 to adult

From the journey of protons racing through the world’s largest particle collider in Europe to up-close views of the Big Bang and emergent cosmos, Phantom of the Universe is a new fulldome planetarium show designed to immerse audiences in the search for dark matter. A collaboration of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, University of Texas at Arlington, Michigan State University, IFIC at University of Valencia, as well as other institutions. It is narrated by Oscar-winning actress, Tilda Swinton.