Charles W. Brown Planetarium

Cool Solar System, Dude!

Fridays - August 12, 19 @ 3:30 p.m. - We're not going to lie; our Solar System is pretty cool. Come explore the many objects of the Solar System, including the Sun, all the major planets, the asteroids, and Pluto during this live presentation. Most suitable for ages 8+, all ages are welcome.

Showtimes subject to change due to nearby construction.

We Are Stars

Fridays - August 12, 19 @ 5 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. Most suitable for ages 8+, all ages are welcome.

Showtimes subject to change due to nearby construction.

Big Astronomy

Fridays - August 12, 19 @ 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. Most suitable for ages 10+, all ages are welcome.

Showtimes subject to change due to nearby construction.

The Universe Overhead

Fridays: Sept. 2, 9, 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Sept. 3, 10, 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Scientists expected a lot from the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest optical telescope launched into space—especially after teams worked for decades to design and construct it. Fortunately, they were not let down by the first images released earlier this summer. Scientists and the public are still in awe over the images coming from this spectacular telescope. Come explore the science team’s current findings while traveling through our universe in both space and time during this live presentation. Suitable for all ages 8+, all ages are welcome.

Dynamic Earth

Saturdays: Sept. 3, 10, 17 at 5:00 p.m.
Dynamic Earth explores 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. Suitable for all ages 12+, all ages are welcome.

One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure

Saturdays: Sept. 3, 10, 17 at 3:30 p.m.
"One World, One Sky" is a brilliant program that follows 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, where they discover how different it is from Earth. They will also find shapes in the sky that will help them find the North Star. This cross-cultural adventure opens children's eyes to the sky, helping them see how people all over the world are connected. Best suited for families and groups with pre-K through 1st grade learners, all ages are welcome.

Halloween: Celestial Origins

Fridays: Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Oct. 1, 8, 29 at 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. Suitable for all ages 8+, all ages are welcome.

Eclipse: The Sun Revealed

Saturdays: Oct. 1, 8, 29 at 5:00 p.m.
There will be a total eclipse of the Sun visible from Muncie, Indiana in just two years. A total solar eclipse is such a spectacular event, it is never too early to start planning for one. Come learn how solar and lunar eclipses happen, and about scientific discoveries that have been supported by total solar eclipses. This show also uses beautiful visuals to explore the historical and cultural view of eclipses, and explains how to safely see these awe-inspiring sights. Most suitable for ages 10+, all ages are welcome.

Earth, Moon & Sun

Saturdays: Oct. 1, 8, 29 at 3:30 p.m.
Coyote has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors. His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system and learn to distinguish between myths and science. Learn the basics of fusion and solar energy and why the Sun rises and sets. Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+, all ages are welcome.

Solar Superstorms

Fridays: Nov. 11, 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Nov. 12, 19 at 6:30 p.m.
A fury is building on the surface of the Sun… high-velocity jets, a fiery tsunami wave that reaches 100,000km high, and rising loops of electrified gas are energized by what is going on underneath its surface. Will these “storms” affect Earth? Find the answer as we venture into the seething interior of our star to learn how they are formed. Solar Superstorms 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. Suitable for all ages 10+, all ages are welcome.

SEEING! A Look Inside the Eye

Saturdays: Nov. 12, 19 at 5:00 p.m.
Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, “SEEING!” follows a photon’s creation and journey across the galaxy to a young stargazer’s eye where we learn about anatomy more than astronomy. The viewer follows the photon into the girl’s eye, learning the structures of the eye and their functions, prior to taking a ride on the optic nerve. Suitable for all ages 12+, all ages are welcome.

ASTRONAUT

Saturdays: Nov. 12, 19 at 3:30 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 space has to throw at him. Narrated by Ewan McGregor. Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+, all ages are welcome.

The Christmas Star

Fridays: Dec. 2, 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Dec. 3, 10 at 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+, all ages are welcome.

We Are Astronomers

Saturdays: Dec. 3, 10 at 5:00 p.m.
Narrated by David Tennant, we explore what exactly astronomers do in this new program. Today’s astronomer is not the lone observer of past centuries. This program reveals the global collaboration, technology, and dedication required to answer the unresolved questions of the universe and features info on NASA’s recently-launched James Webb Space Telescope. Suitable for all ages 8+, all ages are welcome.

The Solar System for Kids!

Saturdays: Dec. 3, 10 at 3:30 p.m.
Stay warm inside with your young learners while visiting some of the coldest places in our Solar System. Come explore the many objects of the Solar System, including the Sun, all the major planets, the asteroids, and Pluto during this live presentation for kids. Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+, all ages are welcome.