Public Programs
- These programs are free of charge
- The doors will open 30 minutes before shows unless states otherwise
- The Planetarium will be CLOSED May 20 - June 2 and all of August.
- The Observatory inside temperature is the same as the outside air temperature - Dress accordingly.
Current Shows
Cosmic Colors - Sundays at 2 p.m.
SHOWDATES: April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19
Cosmic Colors will take you on a wondrous journey across the entire 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. Get ready for an amazing adventure under a rainbow of cosmic light!
Night Skies of Spring - Mondays at 8 p.m.
SHOWDATES - April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13.
As the seasons change, so to does our view of the night sky. These evening programs take a fairly detailed view of the stars and constellations that are visible in the winter skies. These programs are also an excellent introduction to the objects that you may see at the observatory. Following these Monday programs we will escort you (IF THE SKIES ARE CLEAR) to the observatory where trained assistants give you an opportunity to view some of these objects for yourself through our telescope. Join us in viewing the universe in the star theater at 8 p.m. then (IF THE SKIES ARE CLEAR) viewing the actual universe through the Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory 0.4 m (16 inch) Meade telescope.
The planetarium will be presenting laser light shows this April.
LASER LIGHT SHOWS - APRIL 17 - 20 AND APRIL 24 - 27.
There are three shows per evening with showtimes at 8, 9, and 10 p.m.
We do have a fee for our Laser shows.
Admission prices:
Adults - $5
Students - $4
UW-SP Students with a valid ID - $3
Tickets are available at the door beginning at 7:30 p.m. the day of the show
Tickets are only good for the day they are purchased.
Laser Shows are not recommended for children under 12.
Show themes:
April 17 - Laser Metallica
April 18 - Laser Vinyl (Classic Rock)
April 19 - Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon
April 20 - Laser Zeppelin
April 24 - Laser Magic (Music of Yanni, Celene Dion, Elton John, Enya, Joan Jett, Pink Floyd, and more)
April 25 - Laser Beatles
April 26 - Pink Floyd - The Wall
April 27 - Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon
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Future Shows - Summer Shows - Evenings at 8 p.m.
Cosmic Colors
SHOWDATES: June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Cosmic Colors will take you on a wondrous journey across the entire 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. Get ready for an amazing adventure under a rainbow of cosmic light!
The Endless Horizon
SHOWDATES: June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Join narrator Patrick Stewart (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) and explore the unique relationship between scientific discovery and the advances in science theory, technology, and our concept of the universe. Highlighted are: Newton, Darwin, space probes, and telescopes. This program takes you from the 1500’s, to today, where along the way you’ll discover how devices were being created that would profoundly influence the course of history. For example, by 1903 the Wright Brothers launched their first flying machine; then Tsilkovski conceived a method to launch an artificial satellite. These were the technological advances which led to space rocketry; and much more. This emergence of technology allowed us to explore our celestial neighbors and helped unlock the secrets of the solar system. Finally by using modern advances in telescopes, we have been able to look out to the furthest expanses of the universe. Stand upon the shoulders of giants and see that our horizon is indeed, endless.