Learn about massive black holes, how Earth became the planet it is, and explore the Moon with Big Bird & Elmo during these free programs:
The Largest Black Holes: Kurzgesagt on the Dome
Fridays: Aug. 21, 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Aug. 22, 29 at 6:30 p.m.
In this fast-paced program, explore the most massive objects in the universe with a planetarium short from “Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell,” the award-winning YouTube creators who make complex science accessible, accompanied by live discussion on the latest discoveries. Recommended for adults and ages 12+.
Birth of Planet Earth
Saturdays: Aug. 22, 29 at 5:00 p.m.
This show tells the twisted tale of our planet’s origins, and helps us explore the potential of other possible worlds like our own. Recommended for adults and ages 10+.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure
Fridays: Aug. 21, 28 at 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: Aug. 22, 29 at 3:30 p.m.
Take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, find shapes in the sky, and learn about the North Star in this cross-cultural adventure with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend Hu Hu Zhu from China.
Perfect for families and groups with pre-K through 1st grade learners.
- General public planetarium shows are free of charge unless otherwise noted. We appreciate your support in making this possible. Cash donations are accepted at the door.
- No reservations or tickets are required unless otherwise noted.
- Programs start promptly at the advertised time. Doors close once full or five (5) minutes after showtime, and no entry is permitted after that time. The room gets dark after the start time, and we strongly recommend arriving early.
- Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. We recommend arriving early as seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited. We offer hands-on activities before most shows.
- Programs run approximately 50 minutes long and include a live sky tour.
- We ask that no food, drinks, gum, or candy be brought inside the planetarium.
- Silence or turn off all cellphones and electronics that emit light and keep them put away during programs. We also ask that light-up shoes not be worn in the planetarium.
- Children should be accompanied by an adult. If you’re unsure whether a program is age-appropriate, please contact the planetarium.
- The planetarium, along with the entire Ball State campus, is a tobacco-free environment.
- The planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Building at 2111 W Riverside Ave.
Again, note that doors close once full or 5 minutes after showtime, and no entry is permitted after that time.