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Planetarium Shows under the Dome
Non-Planetarium Options

PLANETARIUM SHOWS UNDER THE DOME
- All shows are 25-45 minutes in length. -

• Constellations and the Solar System
Ideal age range: Elementary school through adult
This "classic" planetarium show provides a great overview of astronomy. Attendees learn the most prominent constellations visible in the night sky and the mythology behind them. We talk about the phases of the moon and the planets in our solar system. We also examine how humanity's view of the universe has changed throughout history.

• Intro to the Universe
Ideal age range: Ages 3-5
Aimed at very young children, this shorter show introduces the sun and moon, constellations, and other highlights visible in the night sky through songs and stories.

• Constellation Lore
Ideal age range: Elementary school through adult
This show includes an extended focus on the constellations that are visible throughout the different seasons, as well as on the stories and mythologies that various cultures have attached to these patterns in the sky.

• Solar System Sojourn
Ideal age range: Elementary school through adult
We look at how the orbits of the planets make them appear to move across the sky as seen from our vantage point on Earth. We then use virtual reality to "fly" to each planet to examine its characteristics up close. We also talk about the smaller objects in our solar system, as well as systems of exoplanets orbiting other stars.

• The Christmas Star
Offered November through January
Ideal age range: High school through adult
The biblical book of Matthew talks of three Magi or "Wise Men" being led by a star to the new Messiah. What exactly was the "star" that they saw? We examine a number of theories in this astronomical celebration of the Christmas season.

• Music and Astronomy
Ideal age range: High school through adult
Astronomy has inspired composers and songwriters throughout the ages. This immersive concert/lecture under the dome showcases music inspired by the stars and planets, and includes live keyboard performances of pieces such as Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" and Debussy's "Clair de Lune," as well as original music by composer (and astronomy presenter) Ron Mallory.

• Custom Shows
We can design planetarium shows based around your specific curriculum needs, science standards, or badge requirements! Contact us for more information.

NON-PLANETARIUM OPTIONS

• "Unexpected Science": ~50 minutes
Ideal age range: Elementary school through adult
Science is all around us and shows up in unexpected places! Join presenter Ron Mallory as he demonstrates dozens of ways you can explore scientific principles with ordinary household items. Many surprises are in store! Topics covered include physics, chemistry, electromagnetism, and more. See below for a sample experiment!

• Star Party: ~30-60 minutes
Ideal age range: Elementary school through adult
We bring three telescopes (4", 6", and 8"-diameter Newtonian reflectors) to show your group the sights visible in the night sky! Depending on the time of year and what is visible, we may look at the moon, planets, and various "deep-sky" objects (nebulas, star clusters, and galaxies). A nighttime, outdoor activity; in case of cloudy skies, indoor activities can be planned as a backup.

• Lectures: ~40-50 minutes
Most of our planetarium shows can also be presented in a non-dome, "PowerPoint"-style lecture format for venues with limited space. Contact us for pricing and more information.

                 

©2023 Ad Astra Planetarium
"Ad Astra" is Latin for "To the Stars." Keep looking up!