Morrison Planetarium shows are fueled by cutting-edge scientific data, resulting in stunning visualizations of the latest findings, discoveries, and theories about our Universe. Every star or galaxy a viewer encounters in the planetarium precisely mirrors a real-world counterpart, and when this virtual cosmos is projected onto Morrison's 75-foot-diameter screen (tilted at a 30 degree angle), the dome itself seems to disappear.
The result—a sensation often described as flying—can be felt throughout a wide range of programming, from traditional star shows and special films, to live broadcasts from Academy scientists in the field, to films that explore the fragile ecosystems on planet Earth. Tickets to Morrison Planetarium shows are included in the price of admission. To get yours, just stop by the Planetarium kiosk when you arrive.
Asteroids and comets have collided with our planet throughout its history, changing the course of life on Earth and shaping the world we know today. Narrated by George Takei, our newest original planetarium show explores asteroids, comets, and the hard-hitting stories of our cosmic origins.
Learn how the Sun and Moon affect our oceans, marine life, and food webs in this live, fifteen-minute program in Hohfeld Hall.
Mimicking the tilt of planet Earth, the frame of the dome—composed of 100 percent recycled steel—supports a NanoSeam projection screen that seems to disappear when lit, creating a true-to-life recreation of luminous, faraway space and skies.
Download the Morrison Planetarium 2016 Pocket Almanac (developed by our own planetarium staff) to stay up-to-date on eclipses, meteor showers, satellite spottings, and more.
Visit an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum—all under one living roof.
Check the daily calendar for showtimes.
Note: Planetarium shows may not be appropriate for children 6 and younger, and we regret that we cannot permit anyone under 4.
Morrison Planetarium is open for Thursday NightLife events, featuring special shows and presentations.
Created by Morrison Planetarium staff, these go-to resources cover events occurring between July and September of 2016.
For information on licensing fulldome shows from the California Academy of Sciences, please contact us below.
Space Friday has the latest on Pluto, the future of New Horizons, and an extraordinary new black hole.
This week's news from Mars, the Rosetta and New Horizons missions, and a bleeding exoplanet.
Astronomers directly observe an exoplanet, a super-Tatooine finding, and gravitational wave detection.
Are the jets of gas and dust on comet 67P coming from sinkholes?
The Kimball Natural History Museum explores the evolution—and future—of life on Earth.
Dive into one of the most biodiverse and interactive aquariums in the world, home to nearly 40,000 live animals.
Step inside a lush, four-story rainforest that's teeming with life from the world's richest tropical regions.
