Charles W. Brown Planetarium

Special 50th Anniversary Apollo Programs

JULY 20 – Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. – The historic Apollo lunar landing on July 20, 1969 paved the way for future space exploration and opened the door to boundless curiosity and discovery. Join us on July 20, 2019 as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. We will be premiering a new program, “Destination Mars: The New Frontier,” to look at the future of human space flight as we also reflect back on Apollo 11. Hands-on activities will start at 2pm in the Brown Planetarium Lobby. Suitable for all ages 8 and up.

ASTRONAUT

JULY 26 & AUGUST 2, 9 – Fridays at 5:30 p.m. – 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, 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. Suitable for all ages 8 and up.

Moons: Worlds of Mystery

JULY 26 & AUGUST 2, 9 – Fridays at 6:30 p.m. – Take a journey through our solar system and explore the remarkable diversity—and surprising might—of moons! From volcanoes and geysers to ice-covered oceans and methane rain, these natural satellites have some spectacular features, and many even exert a surprising influence on their planetary partners. Learn what these celestial bodies reveal about the history and workings of our solar system. Suitable for all ages 8 and up.

We Are Stars

AUGUST 30, 31 & SEPTEMBER 6, 7, 13, 14 – Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – Narrated by Andy Serkis, this program seeks to answer some of the biggest questions of all time. What are we made of? Where did it all come from? Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry, our explosive origins and connect life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe. A family-friendly film full of fun, adventure, and enlightenment. Suitable for all ages 8+

Into the Darkness

SEPTEMBER 27, 28, & OCTOBER 4, 5 – Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – People often peer into the darkness of the night sky and wonder what is there. These seemingly dark regions are actually filled with nebulae, star clusters, and other galaxies. Come learn how to navigate the sky by using bright stars and constellations, and discover what fascinating objects exist deep in space. Suitable for all ages 10+

Halloween: Celestial Origins

OCTOBER 18, 19, 25, 26 – Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. & 8:00 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. Suitable for all ages 8+

Dawn of the Space Age

NOVEMBER 8, 9, 15, 16 – Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – From the launch of the first artificial satellite Sputnik, to the magnificent lunar landings and privately operated space flights. Be immersed and overwhelmed with this most accurate historic reconstruction of Man’s first steps into space. Who were these Men and Women that took part in these death defying endeavors? Witness their drive, their passion, and their perseverance to explore, in Dawn of the Space Age. Suitable for all ages 8 and up.

The Christmas Star

DECEMBER 6, 7, 13, 14 – Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. & 8:00 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+