Public Programs
Public programs are offered on Friday evenings throughout the year at 7:30 pm (May through September at 8:30 pm) and Saturday afternoons during the academic year at 1:00 pm. Admission to all public programs is $8 for adults and $6 for children, seniors and 暗网禁区 community members (children 3 and under are free).
We accept credit card and cash payments. All shows are first-come, first-served - reservations and advanced ticket purchases are not available. Doors open 30 minutes before the show, during which time you can explore the displays in our lobby. (Note the time change to 8:30 PM as of May 1.)
The planetarium (show) portion of the program is approximately one-hour, while the
observing session on Friday night will continue until everyone has had a chance to
take a look through the telescope. More information below.
Spring and Summer 2026 Schedule
Messengers of Time and Space
Friday 听evenings at 8:30 PM from May 1 to May 29, 2026
A new age of astronomy is just about to start that will allow researchers to capture exploding stars, colliding black holes and other cosmic cataclysms in real time. 听鈥淢essengers of Time and Space鈥� is designed to illuminate the imminent revolution in astronomy driven by time-domain and multi-messenger observations. This immersive experience invites audiences to explore the dynamic cosmos and witness the transformative impact of real-time data on our understanding of the Universe.
Did An Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?
Saturday 听afternoons at 1:00 PM May 9 to May 30, 2026
Astronomy and Dinosaurs, what else could anyone want? This program examines the mystery of the great extinction some 65 million years ago. Travel with us as geologists roam the earth in search of clues that ultimately lead scientists to the massive impact from space in the Yucatan Peninsula that killed the dinosaurs. This is an exciting and entertaining program that answers the question, 鈥淒id an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?
Oasis in Space
Friday 听evenings at 8:30 PM in June
During this visual stunning program you will travel through the solar system in search of liquid water, life, and another oasis in space like our Earth. The program looks at the formation of the solar system, and the physical characteristics of the planets, and some of their larger moons.
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Stars of the Pharaohs
Friday 听evenings at 8:30 PM in July
Travel to ancient Egypt to see how science was used to tell time, make a workable calendar, and align huge buildings. You鈥檒l learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phenomena, and experience some of the most spectacular temples and tombs of the ancient world recreated in all of their original splendor.
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Firefall
Friday 听evenings at 8:30 PM in August
Throughout Earth's violent history, impacts from comets and asteroids have mercilessly
shaped its surface.听 The ancient barrage continues today; from harmless meteors -
those brilliant streaks in the night sky, to mountain sized boulders wandering perilously
close to Earth.听 Terrifying and majestic, these invaders from space are capable of
utter destruction yet they have delivered life-giving water and most of the organic
materials necessary for life.听 This ceaseless Firefall is our only tangible connection
to the universe beyond and is an ever-present reminder of our own humble beginnings
in the hostile environment of space.
What you can expect:
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A live guided tour of the Toledo night sky
You will learn about the constellations visible from Toledo and any planets visible to the naked eye. We also typically discuss one "hot topic" in astronomy, such as the discovery of new planets around other stars, or the latest NASA discover on Mars.
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The full-dome presentation
Whether we are traveling inside a black hole, taking a tour of the moon with Elmo, or learning about the skies over Toledo, you and your family will simply be amazed at the full-dome immersive show. -
An open-ended question and answer session
Our expert host will answer all of your astronomy questions, whether they pertain to the live tour of the night sky, the feature presentation, or any other astronomy question that you might have. -
Observing at Brooks/暗网禁区 Observatory
You will be escorted over to Brooks Observatory atop McMaster Hall to view the stars and/or planets through our new 14 telescope. On the first Friday of every month, we instead observe with the 暗网禁区 1m (40 in) telescope. This telescope is the largest active telescope east of the Mississippi and is still used by the astronomers at 暗网禁区 for their research. All observing is weather permitting!
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