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Public Program Information

The William Brish Planetarium offers programs available for public viewing twice a month with two different shows per date.  Shows are generally on the 1st and 4th Tuesday of the month unless noted otherwise and start at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.  See below for the full 2017-2018 school year schedule. (2018-2019 school year schedule coming soon!) 

Cash and personal checks accepted.  Sorry, no credit cards.

5:30 programs aimed at younger audiences.

If you are bringing a group of 10 or more, please call the Planetarium in advance. 

No late admissions will be allowed due to safety reasons. 

Doors open 30 minutes before program begins.  64 person maximum per program on a first come, first serve basis.  Sorry no reservations.

Other important information for the public programs includes:

Admission Fees:

Adults

Students and Children

Gold Card

Families

                                                                           

$3

$2

Free

​$10 max

Program Length

45-60 minutes

Inclement Weather

If schools are closed or dismissed early, the Planetarium is closed.  Call the Planetarium for a revised schedule. 

2017-2018 William Brish Planetarium Public Shows Schedule: (All Programs include a tour of the current night sky.)

Date

Tues. September 26, 2017

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

​5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
​One World, One Sky
(Pre-K - Early Elementary age Audiences)

One World, One Sky is a fulldome planetarium show that follows 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.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

7:00  - 8:00 p.m.
Solar Super Storms
(General Audiences)

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​ A fury is building on the surface of the Sun – high-velocity jets, a fiery tsunami wave that reaches 100,000 kilometers high, rising loops of electrified gas. What’s driving these strange phenomena? How will they affect planet Earth? Find the answers as we venture into the seething interior of our star.  SOLAR SUPERSTORMS is a major new production that takes viewers into the tangle of magnetic fields and superhot plasma that vent the Sun’s rage in dramatic flares, violent solar tornadoes, and the largest eruptions in the solar system: Coronal Mass Ejections.  The show features one of the most intensive efforts ever made to visualize the inner workings of the sun, including a series of groundbreaking scientific visualizations computed on the giant new supercomputing initiative, Blue Waters, based at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), University of Illinois.  Brace yourself for the onslaught of the next… Solar Superstorm.

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Wed. October 4, 2017

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Larry, Cat in Space
(Pre-K - Early Elementary age Audiences

​​ Take off on a lunar adventure with a curious stowaway cat! Larry Cat in Space is a playful, imaginative cartoon presentation about an inquisitive cat who takes a trip to the Moon.  This is a Classic Planetarium Program, redone for viewing in full dome video.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Undiscovered Worlds
(General Audiences)
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​​This show explores a timeless question: Do other planets like Earth exist?  Through the discovery of exoplanets, the hundreds of planets that have been found orbiting stars beyond the Sun, we have learned that our solar system is not alone in the universe and have had to redefine our understanding of planets and solar systems.  With rapidly improving technology and endeavors like the Kepler Telescope, the discovery of exoplanets represents one step closer to the possibility of finding an Earth-like world. How will this change how we view our place in the universe?

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Wed. October 25, 2017

​5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Zula Patrol: Under the Weather (Pre-K - Elementary Age Audiences

​The stalwart heroes of the Zula Patrol are on an expedition collecting samples of weather for scientist Multo’s research.  When the Zula gang inadvertently hurts their loyal pet Gorga’s feelings, he decides to leave Zula and find another planet to live on.  Villain Dark Truder then tricks Gorga into helping with his latest nefarious scheme to rule the Universe.  The Zula Patrollers find out and go after him – in the process learning all about weather, both terrestrial and interplanetary.

​7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Habitat Earth
(General Audiences)

​

Living networks connect and support life forms large and small—from colonies of tiny microbes and populations of massive whales to ever-expanding human societies. In the California Academy of Sciences’ latest original planetarium show, Habitat Earth, discover what it means to live in today’s connected world. Through stunning visualizations of the natural world, dive below the ocean’s surface to explore the dynamic relationships found in kelp forest ecosystems, travel beneath the forest floor to see how Earth’s tallest trees rely on tiny fungi to survive, and journey to new heights to witness the intricate intersection between human and ecological networks.

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Wed. November 8, 2017

​​5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Moles: What's Out There? (Pre-K - Early Elementary Age Audiences)

​MOLES’ story revolves around a young mole named Plato. Plato lives deep underground in a dark burrow full of mystery and surprises together with his mum and dad. He is a restless, curious and thoughtful creature. Plato is fascinated by the light that penetrates the entrance to his home. Sometimes it is lit; sometimes it is off… Why could that be? Our young friend is desperate to see what is out there in the outside world and one day he finally gets to see it all! Plato discovers day and night, the sun and the moon, and the stars! Plato’s best friends are Alfa, Beta and Gamma with whom he loves to sing… and go treasure hunting! Good thing that the professor Socrates keeps an eye on our young friends… as sometimes things can get a little out of hand…! The story has been inspired by the Greek philosopher Plato’s “Myth of the Cave”.

​7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
To Space and Back (General Audiences)

​

​Space exploration — our greatest adventure — is having a big impact on our lives. It’s helping us to discover a universe of unimaginable scale and beauty, and it’s reaching down into our world and influencing the way we live.  TO SPACE AND BACK takes audiences on an incredible journey from the far reaches of our known universe to our own planet. It is an extraordinary story of human ingenuity and incredible engineering, describing how the technology that transports us through space is paving the way for the devices and apps we use every day. What’s happening above is coming back down to Earth!  Discover how we’ve been changed by space exploration, and what we owe to curiosity and the spirit of discovery.

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Wed. November 29, 2017

​5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Zula Patrol: Down to Earth (Pre-K - Elementary Audiences)

While on a routine fossil-hunting expedition, the Zula Patrol turns up evidence that the villainous Deliria Delight has been travelling back in time to Earth’s prehistoric past to illegally dump her company’s toxic trash.  The Zula Patrollers must find and catch her, before her actions cause catastrophic consequences.  In the process, our heroes learn all about the formation and development of Earth, and the life forms who call it home.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Astronaut
(General Audiences)
​

​​The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? 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, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body.  Discover the perils that lurk in space as we subject ‘Chad’, our test astronaut, to everything that space has to throw at him.

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Wed. December 6, 2017

​5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Planetary Visions (Elementary Age Audiences)

Explore the solar System in this exciting and interactive planetarium program!  Be prepared to for an adventure that will leave you wondering if maybe you really did just get back from a mission in space!  Fun for audiences of all ages!

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Season of Light
(General Audiences)
​

Formerly 'Tis the Season.  Examine many of the seasonal customs based on light as well as various winter holiday traditions including Yule, greenery, Santa and the Christmas Star.  This program also includes a tour of the current night sky.  A seasonal favorite Classic Planetarium Program, remade for Full Dome Viewing!

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Tues. December 12, 2017

​5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
​Legends of the Night Sky: Perseus and Andromeda (Elementary - General Audiences)

​Perseus and Andromeda 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.

​​7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Season of Light 
(General Audiences)

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​

Formerly 'Tis the Season.  Examine many of the seasonal customs based on light as well as various winter holiday traditions including Yule, greenery, Santa and the Christmas Star.  This program also includes a tour of the current night sky.  A seasonal favorite Classic Planetarium Program, remade for Full Dome Viewing!

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​Tues. December 19, 2017

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Earth, Moon & Sun (Elementary - General Audiences)

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Season of Light 
(General Audiences)

This planetarium show explores the relationship between the Earth, Moon and Sun with the help of Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions who has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors.  His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how the Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system. Native American stories are used throughout the show to help distinguish between myths and science.

​​Formerly 'Tis the Season.  Examine many of the seasonal customs based on light as well as various winter holiday traditions including Yule, greenery, Santa and the Christmas Star.  This program also includes a tour of the current night sky.  A seasonal favorite Classic Planetarium Program, remade for Full Dome Viewing!

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Wed. January 3, 2018

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
One World, One Sky (Pre-K - Early Elementary Age Audiences

One World, One Sky is a fulldome planetarium show that follows 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.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
We Are Stars
(General Audiences)

​

What are we made of?  Where did it all come from?  Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry, and our explosive origins. Connect life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe by following the formation of Hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of Carbon, and the molecules for life.  Narrated by Andy Serkis.

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Tues. January 23, 2018

5:30 - 6:15 p.m. 
A Part of the Sky Called Orion (Elementary - General Audiences)

 This show looks at the big ideas that have guided human understanding of the cosmos and its patterns in the sky. A PART OF THE SKY CALLED ORION tells about the Greek, Egyptian, and Inupiaq cultures. We learn how each viewed the same stars, but had different stories and images. Told in first-person in the context of the teller’s life, we experience their ancient star lore and imagery.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. 
Cowboy Astronomer
(General Audiences)

​

A skillfully woven tapestry of star tales and Native American legends, combined with constellation identification, star-hopping, and astronomy tidbits — all told from the unique viewpoint of a cowboy astronomer who has traveled the world plying his trade and learning the sky along the way.  One of the absolute best Classic Planetarium Programs, remade for full-dome viewing!

Tues. February 6, 2018

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Zula Patrol: Under the Weather  (Pre K - Elementary age Audiences)

The stalwart heroes of the Zula Patrol are on an expedition collecting samples of weather for scientist Multo’s research.  When the Zula gang inadvertently hurts their loyal pet Gorga’s feelings, he decides to leave Zula and find another planet to live on.  Villain Dark Truder then tricks Gorga into helping with his latest nefarious scheme to rule the Universe.  The Zula Patrollers find out and go after him – in the process learning all about weather, both terrestrial and interplanetary.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity (General Audiences)
​

This cutting-edge production features high-resolution visualizations of cosmic phenomena, working with data generated by computer simulations, to bring the current science of black holes to the dome screen.Audiences will be dazzled with striking, immersive animations of the formation of the early universe, star birth and death, the collision of giant galaxies, and a simulated flight to a super-massive black hole lurking at the center of our own Milky Way Galaxy.  Narrated by Liam Neeson.

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Tues. February 27, 2018

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
​Planetary Visions (Elementary - General Audiences)

​Explore the solar System in this exciting and interactive planetarium program!  Be prepared to for an adventure that will leave you wondering if maybe you really did just get back from a mission in space!  Fun for audiences of all ages!

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Moons: Worlds of Mystery (General Audiences)

Moons: Worlds of Mystery immerses you in the amazing diversity of moons and the important roles they play in shaping our solar system.  Follow in the footsteps of astronauts to our silvery Moon, then venture beyond to unfamiliar and exotic worlds.  Journey to the outer planets and their moons, returning home with newfound wonder about the dynamic and intricate solar system in which we all live.  Narrated by Ed Helms.

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Tues. March 6, 2018

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Zula Patrol: Down to Earth (Pre-K - Elementary Audiences)

While on a routine fossil-hunting expedition, the Zula Patrol turns up evidence that the villainous Deliria Delight has been travelling back in time to Earth’s prehistoric past to illegally dump her company’s toxic trash.  The Zula Patrollers must find and catch her, before her actions cause catastrophic consequences.  In the process, our heroes learn all about the formation and development of Earth, and the life forms who call it home.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The Dark Matter Mystery (General Audiences)

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: Dark Matter. We know that it is out there. But we have no idea what it is made out of.

This planetarium show takes you on the biggest quest of contemporary astrophysics. You will see why we know that Dark Matter exists, and how this search is one of the most challenging and exciting searches science has to offer. 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?

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Tues. March 27, 2018

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
​Moles: What is Out There? (Pre K - Early Elementary Audiences)

MOLES’ story revolves around a young mole named Plato. Plato lives deep underground in a dark burrow full of mystery and surprises together with his mum and dad. He is a restless, curious and thoughtful creature. Plato is fascinated by the light that penetrates the entrance to his home. Sometimes it is lit; sometimes it is off… Why could that be? Our young friend is desperate to see what is out there in the outside world and one day he finally gets to see it all! Plato discovers day and night, the sun and the moon, and the stars! Plato’s best friends are Alfa, Beta and Gamma with whom he loves to sing… and go treasure hunting! Good thing that the professor Socrates keeps an eye on our young friends… as sometimes things can get a little out of hand…! The story has been inspired by the Greek philosopher Plato’s “Myth of the Cave”.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. 
Cosmic Colors
(General Audiences)​
​

Enjoy a wondrous journey through the world of color and beyond!  Discover why the sky is blue, why Mars is red, and the reason why many things are the color that they are.  Tour the interior of a plant leaf, voyage through a human eye, then step into the invisible universe as you investigate x-rays by taking on a monstrous black hole.  Explore the world of infrared in a roaring fire, and even discover what may have been the actual color of a dinosaur. Explore the amazing rainbow of cosmic light through COSMIC COLORS, an original production of the Daniel M. Soref Planetarium in cooperation with the Great Lakes Planetarium Association.

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Wed. April 4, 2018

5:30 - 6:15 p.m. 
​Earth, Moon & Sun (Elementary - General Audiences)
​

This planetarium show explores the relationship between the Earth, Moon and Sun with the help of Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions who has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors.  His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how the Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system. Native American stories are used throughout the show to help distinguish between myths and science.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Two Small Pieces of Glass
​(General Audiences)
​

Two Small Pieces of Glass – The Amazing Telescope fulldome show follows two students as they interact with a female astronomer at a local star party.
Along the way, the students learn the history of the telescope from Galileo’s modifications to a child’s spyglass — using two small pieces of glass — to the launch of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the future of astronomy.

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Tues. April 24, 2018

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
The Case of the Disappearing Planet
(Upper Elementary - General Audiences)

THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING PLANET looks into the changing status of objects we call “planets.”  It not only covers Pluto, but the temporary planetary status of asteroids as well. The tally of “planets” in our Solar System has been going up and down for hundreds of years!  Have fun with this program as it features a sly, street-smart gumshoe called Skye Watcher. After a frenzied phone call from a 3rd grade teacher, she collects clues to find out what happened to Pluto. ​

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Dynamic Earth (General Audiences)
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Explore 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. Narrated by Liam Neeson.​

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Tues. May 1, 2018

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Larry: Cat in Space (Pre-K - Elementary Audiences)

​ Take off on a lunar adventure with a curious stowaway cat! Larry Cat in Space is a playful, imaginative cartoon presentation about an inquisitive cat who takes a trip to the Moon.  This is a Classic Planetarium Program, redone for viewing in full dome video.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. 
Super Volcanoes 
(General Audiences)
​

An immersive planetarium show that looks back at rare classes of eruptions that have marshaled the energy that lurks, like a sleeping dragon, beneath the surface of planet Earth. The program moves beyond Earth to explore the impact of giant volcanic eruptions around our solar system. Audiences will fly down to Neptune’s frigid moon Triton, and onto the ultimate volcanic world: Jupiter’s moon Io. On a visit to a legendary North American hot spot, Yellowstone National Park, the film asks: can a super volcano erupt in our time?  Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch.

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Tues. May 22, 2018

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Moles: What is Out There?
(Pre K - Early Elementary Age Audiences)

​In this co-production of Albedo FullDome and Mediuscula, young children will be introduced to the fascinating world of astronomy in a fun, simple and very humorous way, hand in hand with Plato, a young mole. The animated characters and the attractive backdrops of this fulldome entertainment show will keep audiences captivated. With Moles, children will learn basic concepts about science while having a great time.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Oasis in Space
(General Audiences)


​

Is Earth the only water world in our Solar System? Take an exciting space flight through our Solar System in search of water and water worlds like Earth. This trip to the planets includes the latest scientific theory on the formation of the solar system and planets as well as the most recent astronomical research and exploration, including data from robot explorers.

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Tues. June 5, 2018

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
One World, One Sky
(Pre K - Early Elementary age Audiences)

​One World, One Sky is a 27-minute fulldome planetarium show that follows 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.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Totality
​(General Audiences)
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​

This program is all about eclipses – from lunar to total solar. We cover how they occur and what happens when they do. We look back to the proof of general relativity and look forward to upcoming eclipses and where to witness them. Our production includes a variety of wonderful styles – from spectacular space environments to humorous pop-up books. A very special part of the show relates, in a very human way, what happens when you are caught in the shadow of the Moon and the Sun is plunged into a total solar eclipse.

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