MARK SMITH PLANETARIUM 

Explore the universe daily in our 40 foot diameter dome planetarium.

Enjoy one of 118 comfortable tilted seats, surround-sound stereo, and an electronically-automated image projection system.

Various special effects can depict meteor showers, auroras, nebulae, alien atmospheres, and more! Virtually any still or moving image can be projected onto the dome, from movies, to live NASA-TV, online streaming video, or digital slideshow presentations.

PLANETARIUM SHOWS

• Public shows Tuesday through Sunday (see individual shows for times)
• All shows are free with Museum admission (unless otherwise noted)
  
• Sky Over Macon is free (donations accepted)

Two Small Pieces of Glass

Through January 10, 2010

• Tuesday-Sunday at 4 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope takes visitors on a journey of discovery to explore the Galilean Moons, Saturn's rings and far away galaxies.  Also learn about the discoveries of Galileo, Newton, Hubble and many others.

 

The Light-Hearted Astronomer

January 15 through March 29, 2010

• Tuesday-Sunday at 4 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Unaided eye and binocular observing are promoted in this adaptation of the Ken Fulton book, along with the personal experience and enjoyment of astronomy. Learn how not to buy a telescope and what other equipment and information you will need to enjoy a lifetime of stargazing.

  

Larry, Cat in Space - Children's Show

Through March 20, 2010

Children's Specials are Saturdays at noon

Meet an inquisitive cat that takes a trip to the moon!  Larry's owner Diana gets a job as a lunar geologist.  Missing her, Larry smuggles himself on board a space plane, finds Diana and her friends and learns about the moon's environment.

 

Sky Over Macon

• Fridays at 8 p.m. 

This live star talk explores the constellations and planets visible from Middle Georgia.

Updated each week, this program provides the latest information about current and upcoming celestial events for those who want to learn how to find constellations or planets in the sky, or increase their knowledge of astronomy.

Note: Because the main Museum building is usually closed, seating for Sky Over Macon will be made through the Planetarium outside door, starting approx. 10-15 minutes before showtime. Program lasts approx. 45 minutes.

 

Weekly Telescope Viewing

• Fridays following Sky Over Macon

After the show, see the real night sky through our telescopes! The largest telescope can offer well over 100 times magnification. As winter progresses, we will offer spectacular views of the Orion Nebula, the Pleiades Star Cluster, and much more!