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)
- Sensory Friendly Shows - the 2nd Saturday of the month at 4p
Ticket Prices and Information
- $8 - Adults (age 13-59)
- $5 - Children (age 3-12), Seniors (age 60+), UMD Students (must show student ID)
- Free - Children age 2 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.
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.
- Beyond Bizarre: Strange Things in Space: 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 the March 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: 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. If you are interested in joining, the monthly club meeting will take place right after the show.
- The Mystery of the Northern Lights: I wonder...what causes the aurora? How can I see them? Do they only happen on Earth? Explore the mystery of the northern lights and get these questions, and many others, answered!
- Celestial Navigation: Guided by the Stars: For as long as there has been a need to go from one place to another we have used the stars as our guide. From the first Polynesian sailors, to modern day mariners the night sky has been guiding us on our journeys around the globe. In this show we will explore some of the techniques used to navigate using the night sky, as well as some of the history surrounding celestial navigation.
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.
- 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.
Saturdays at 2p - Family Program
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.
- Earth's Wild Ride: Imagine Earth was a distant place you once called home but could never visit again. What would you remember most about the planet, and how would you describe it to your grandchildren? Set on the surface of the Moon in the year 2081, a grandfather and granddaughter watch a solar eclipse from scenic cliffs overlooking their moon colony. Conversation leads to contrasts between the moon, the only home the granddaughter knows, and the Earth, where the grandfather has spent most of his life. As they watch the Moon's shadow move across Earth, the grandfather tells stories of crashing asteroids, erupting volcanoes, roaring dinosaurs, electrifying lightning and booming thunder. Each experience begins with a telescope view of the dynamic Earth in stark contrast with the unchanging lunar landscape.
Enjoy a sensory friendly showing on Saturday March 14th at 4p. More information here
Saturdays at 7p - Feature Program
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.
- Oasis in Space: Oasis In Space transports the audience on a startling and beautiful voyage through our universe, galaxy and solar system in search of liquid water, a key ingredient for life on Earth.
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.
- Parking information here
Gift Certificates
You can now purchase gift certificates! These can be used towards admission to Friday and Saturday shows or for items in our gift shop.