Public Shows for All!
Explore the universe weekly at the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium!
General Show Schedule
- Wonderstruck Wednesdays at 7p - FREE shows for all
- Fridays at 7p - Live guided tours of the universe (includes a tour of Tonight's Sky)
- Saturdays at 2p - Family Show! Pre-recorded shows that are ideal for families (includes a tour of Tonight's Sky)
- Saturdays at 7p - General Public Show! Pre-recorded shows for all ages (includes a tour of Tonight's Sky)
Ticket Prices and Information
- $5 - Adults (age 13-59)
- $3 - Children (age 6-12), Seniors (age 60+), UMD Students (must show student ID)
- Free - Children age 5 and under
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, use the link below.
Upcoming Show Schedule
Shows are scheduled a month at a time. The next months schedule will be posted about a week before the start of the month. Tickets for the next month's shows will also go live a week prior to the start of the month. You can find show descriptions below the calendar.
Join us Sept 13th for International Observe the Moon Night!
Show Descriptions
Wonderstruck Wednesdays at 7p - FREE Shows
Shows last about 30 minutes. Seats are first come, first served and may fill up fast. Doors open at 6:30p.
These shows will also be streamed to Facebook Live (www.facebook.com/UMDPlanetarium/live) and recorded for our YouTube channel. Audience members will not be seen on video, but they may be heard.
- Exploring the September Sky: I wonder...what we can see in the night sky this month? Explore this months sky with us as we go through the planets and constellations visible as well as discussing upcoming astronomical events like meteor showers or eclipses.
- Presentation by the Arrowhead Astronomical Society + Telescope Viewing: I wonder...what the Arrowhead Astronomical Society is up to? Enjoy a presentation from a member of our local amateur astronomy group - the Arrowhead Astronomical Society. Afterward, take a look at the Moon and other objects visible through our telescopes (weather permitting). If you are interested in joining, the monthly club meeting will take place right after the show.
- Beyond Bizarre: I wonder...what sort of weird things are in the universe? Discover the bizarre properties of some of the strangest things in space. From our very own solar system to the edges of the universe, there are a lot of mysteries yet to be solved.
- Exploring Dark Skies: I wonder..what we can see in our dark MN skies? Exploring Dark Skies is a live, interactive show and full-dome theater presentation! Learn about traditional star gazing and the cultural context behind the cosmos. This custom show will feature some interesting connections between the stars we see and light pollution. This show has something for curious stargazers of all ages. This show is part of Duluth Celebrate the Night Sky Week organized by Starry Skies North.
Fridays at 7p - Live Guided Tours of the Universe
Shows last about an hour and include a tour of Tonight's Sky. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Doors open at 6:30p.
- Journey Through the Solar System: All aboard the MWAP spaceship, it’s almost time for liftoff! Sit back and enjoy the view as we fly around the canyons on Mars, plunge through Saturn’s rings, find out why Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet, and more! Join us on our Journey Through the Solar System.
- Expedition: Moons: Our solar system has over 150 moons! Hop in the MWAP spaceship and we’ll explore some of the most interesting moons our solar system has to offer. There’s a moon full of volcanoes, another with a giant ocean, and so much more! Join us as we set out on Expedition: Moons.
- Adventure to the Edge of the Universe: Planets and stars and galaxies, oh my! Jump in the MWAP spaceship as we take off for an epic journey to see all our universe has to offer. We’ll journey to other planetary systems, fly through giant gas clouds, and find out how many galaxies are out there. Join us as we Adventure to the Edge of the Universe.
Saturdays at 2p - Family Show
These shows are perfect for families with kids, but can be enjoyed by all ages!
Shows last about an hour and include a tour of Tonight's Sky. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Doors open at 1:30p.
- Mysteries of Your Brain: Jump into an animated adventure following a girl and her crow companion as they explore what makes the human brain so special. Together you’ll zoom along the paths of neurons, find out how human and animal brains differ, and experience illusions on a grand scale! Along the way, you’ll learn how your brain makes you, well, you, and see that ultimately, we each have the power to change our brains. Closed captions available upon request. Watch a trailer
Enjoy a sensory friendly showing on Saturday September 21st at 4p. More information here
Saturdays at 7p - General Public Show
Shows last about an hour and include a tour of Tonight's Sky. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Doors open at 6:30p.
- The Hot and Energetic Universe: This planetarium documentary presents with the use of Immersive visualizations and real images the achievements of modern astronomy, the most advanced terrestrial and orbital observatories, the basic principles electromagnetic radiation and the natural phenomena related to the High Energy Astrophysics. Watch a trailer
Show Information
- Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
- There is no food or drinks allowed in the planetarium.
- Please have proof of purchase (email confirmation) ready to show at the door. UMD students will also be required to show their Student ID.