Charles W. Brown Planetarium

One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure

AUG 28 | SEPT 4, 11, 18 | OCT 2, 16, 30 – Saturdays at 3:30 p.m.
Follow 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. Families with children in preschool through second grade will especially enjoy this program but kids of all ages are welcome.

NO REGISTRATION NEEDED | FACE MASKS REQUIRED

Big Astronomy

SEPT 10, 17 Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
SEPT 11, 18 Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Explore world-class observatories, learn why Chile is an ideal environment for astronomy, and meet some of the diverse people who make BIG discoveries possible.

NO REGISTRATION NEEDED | FACE MASKS REQUIRED

2nd Annual Astronomy SLAM!

SEPT. 25 – Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
The Charles W. Brown Planetarium presents the 2nd Annual Astronomy SLAM! Just 10 minutes a person – that is all the time Ball State students will get to share a piece of our universe with you in the Brown Planetarium. During this event, students will use planetarium visuals to help them present in the most creative way they can while competing for the title of Astronomy Slam Champion!

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED | FACE MASKS REQUIRED

Halloween: Celestial Origins

OCT 1, 15, 29 Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
OCT 2, 16, 30 Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
What do you associate with Halloween? Trick-or-Treating, costumes… astronomy? After all, Halloween is an astronomical holiday! During this program you will learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day.” We will also explore the night sky and learn what planets, constellations, and stars will be out on your Halloween evening.

NO REGISTRATION NEEDED | FACE MASKS REQUIRED

Earth, Moon, and Sun

NOV 6, 20, 27 | DEC 4, 11, 18 – Saturdays at 3:30 p.m.
Join us as we explore the relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun with the help of Coyote, our amusing character “scientist.” Families with children in grades three through five will especially enjoy this look at the Earth-Moon-Sun system, though audiences of all ages can appreciate learning the science behind the myths explored.

NO REGISTRATION NEEDED | FACE MASKS REQUIRED

Destination Mars

NOV 5, 19, 26 Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
NOV 6, 20, 27 Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Ever wonder what it would be like to fly to Mars? NASA – and others – have their sights set on the Red Planet and they are building the technology to get us there! Explore the work being done around the globe to help make the dream of getting humans to Mars a reality. Fly to and see inside the International Space Station, where astronauts are already living and working in space, and follow the rockets and vehicles that will take humans beyond the Moon and, one day, all the way to Mars!

NO REGISTRATION NEEDED | FACE MASKS REQUIRED

The Christmas Star

DEC 3, 10, 17 Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
DEC 4, 11, 18 Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Over the years many people have tried to explain the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the Bible. Can the star be explained as an exploding star, a comet or some other natural event in the sky? Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions will be discussed. Suitable for all ages 10+

NO REGISTRATION NEEDED | FACE MASKS REQUIRED