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.
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 July 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.
- Beyond Bizarre + Telescope Viewing: 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. Afterward, take a look at the Moon and other objects visible through our telescopes (weather permitting).
- Star Wars: Fact or Fiction?: I wonder...how much of the Star Wars universe could really exist? Could there be a world with two suns? Are lightsaber battles in our future? Join us as we explore a galaxy far, far away and discover what is science fact and what is science fiction.
- Celestial Gods: Mythology of the Solar System: I wonder...what the meaning is behind the names of objects in our solar system? Fly through space and enjoy the cosmic mythology of ancient cultures from around the world.
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.
- Larry: Cat in Space: Take off on a lunar adventure with a curious stowaway cat! A playful, imaginative cartoon presentation about an inquisitive cat who takes a trip to the Moon. This show is ideal for families with younger kids. Watch a trailer
Enjoy a sensory friendly showing on Saturday July 13th 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.
- Europe to the Stars: Europe to the Stars takes the viewer on an epic journey behind the scenes at the most productive ground-based observatory in the world, revealing the science, the history, the technology and the people. Discover the European Southern Observatory in a story of cosmic curiosity, courage and perseverance; a story of observing a Universe of deep mysteries and hidden secrets; and a story of designing, building and operating the most powerful ground-based telescopes on the planet. The movie focuses on the essential aspects of an astronomical observatory, while offering a broader view of how astronomy is done. From site-testing to locate the best places in the world for observing the sky, to how telescopes are built and what mysteries of the Universe astronomers are revealing. 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.