Visit the Brown Planetarium for a special 5 p.m. Friday showing of Dynamic Earth for Family Weekend! There will be five shows total to choose from this weekend for you to enjoy with your friends and families. Check out the showtimes listed below.
All planetarium programs listed are free of charge. No tickets or reservations are required for these public planetarium shows.
The Universe Overhead
Friday: Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: Sept. 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
Friday: Sept. 16 at 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: Sept. 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
Saturday: Sept. 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.
Explore our full show schedule on the Brown Planetarium website.
Planetarium Information
- Due to construction being done on the Cooper Science Complex, select parking and pathway access to the planetarium is blocked off. Please plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and arrive on time for the program. Entrances to the planetarium are accessible via the north side of the building only, as the pathway between the Cooper Science Complex and the Ball Gym is blocked off. Visit our location and transportation webpage for up-to-date information.
- Follow all COVID-19 protocols and procedures.
- No reservations are required for public planetarium shows, except for our annual "Astronomy SLAM!". However, plan to arrive early as seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited.
- Planetarium shows are free of charge, except for our annual "Astronomy SLAM!". We accept cash donations at the door and greatly appreciate your support to make this possible.
- We do our best to have doors open 30 minutes before show time.
- Food, drinks, gum or candy are not allowed in the planetarium.
- Cellphones and any electronics that emit light must be silenced or turned off at the start of all programs.
- Children 17 years and under should be accompanied by an adult.
- The planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Complex, at 2111 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie.
Interested in scheduling a private educational visit to the planetarium? Request a planetarium visit for your Ball State class or group online.