Morrison Planetarium is the largest all-digital planetarium in the world. State-of-the-art projector and software technologies allow the planetarium to produce the most accurate and interactive digital Universe ever created.
About the Dome
 | The Morrison Planetarium is the largest all-digital dome in the world with a 75-foot diameter projection screen tilted at a 30 degree angle. Thanks to immersive video technology, the dome seems to disappear when imagery is projected onto it, creating an experience more like flying than watching a movie. The planetarium relies on scientific data to depict current discoveries with unprecedented accuracy. It also has the flexibility to present a wide variety of programming that is both educational and entertaining. Traditional star shows will be supplemented by live “tours of the Universe,” and programming will include live NASA feeds as well as broadcasts from Academy scientists in the field. |
Fragile Planet
 | The Academy’s inaugural planetarium show, Fragile Planet, reveals how special Earth really is by taking visitors on a 30-minute round trip to the outer reaches of the universe. Visitors begin their voyage at the Academy, lift off through the atmosphere to gain an astronaut’s view of Earth, then travel to the Moon, Mars, and beyond to search for habitats that might host extraterrestrial life. Narrated by Sigourney Weaver and interwoven with talks by a live presenter, Fragile Planet will redefine your sense of “home.” The Planetarium is very popular and tickets are handed out on a first come first serve basis. Please visit the kiosk at the planetarium entrance to select your show time. Please note that the planetarium show takes place in a darkened environment, with imagery and sounds that some children may find disorienting. For these reasons, we strongly discourage entry for children under the age of seven. Children 3 and under are not permitted. Download the show’s credits » |
Location |
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The new 90-foot-diameter Morrison dome is cantilevered out over the aquarium's Philippine Coral Reef tank.
Daily Programs |
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- Fragile Planet: Every hour on the half hour, 11:30 am - 4:30 pm. On Sundays, there is an additional 10:30 am show exclusively for members.
Visit the kiosks at the planetarium entrance to select your show times.
Who's Talking? |
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The Academy hosts an ongoing series of lectures by leading experts on astronomy.
2009 Pocket Almanac |
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Download our skywatching guide for 2009. Find out the dates for the six eclipses. Five planets can be seen with the unaided eye. Do you know which ones? Get this information and more (major meteor showers and the seasons and the sun).
Explore Science |
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Take a Sky Tour with an Academy astronomer - one of numerous Academy podcasts.
What happened to Pluto? Catch up on the latest in astronomy and astrobiology.
