Planetarium: Museum of Natural History: Planetarium Show

Planetarium Schedule
Shows are Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm.
Show lasts approximately 35 minutes.
Please visit our Calendar of Events for the planetarium show schedule. Shows offerings and schedule are subject to change. [see website]

Shows also offered during RI February and April school vacation weeks and daily in July and August.
The planetarium is only open during showtime. It is a dome theatre with a Zeiss projector that casts images of stars, planets and constellations to simulate the night sky.

Information

It is suggested that you arrive early to purchase tickets; seating is limited. Planetarium admission (includes museum admission) is $3 per person. Children under age 4 are not permitted in the planetarium. Groups must book a private planetarium show. Private planetarium show cost is $125.00 up to 25 people, additional guests $5.00 per person, includes museum admission. Please call the museum Education Department at 401.680.7223 for more information.

Click here for information about school group programs, available September through June. [see website]

Planetarium Shows

Cosmic Collisions
Take a thrilling trip through space and time--well beyond the calm face of the night sky--to explore cosmic collisions, hypersonic impacts that drive the dynamic and continuing evolution of the universe. This show explores the full range of space collisions, past, present, and future. Show produced by the American Museum of Natural History. (General Audience)

Eyes on the Skies
All across the Earth, people are united by their fascination with the night sky. Join us on a journey around the world, from the South Pacific Islands to the Canadian Arctic to West Africa, and back in time with the ancient Maya, to discover the skywatchers of our Earth, past and present. (General Audience)

Great Space Adventure
If you thought space exploration was just for astronauts, think again! Discover what you can see from right here on 'Spaceship Earth' as we whiz through the solar system at breakneck speed! Spectacular video imagery shows some of the most fantastic sights in our solar system, from volcanoes on Mars to the rings of Saturn. Explore our solar system, and discover what you can see with your own two eyes from right here in your backyard. (Family audience)

Journey to the Stars
Featuring extraordinary images from telescopes on the ground and in space and stunning visualizations of physics-based simulations, this show launches visitors through space and time to experience the life and death of the stars in our night sky, including our own nurturing Sun. Tour familiar stellar formations, explore celestial mysteries and discover the fascinating, unfolding story that connects us all to the stars. (General Audience)

Sky Views
Explore our night sky as never before! Take a tour of the skies and discover the constellations, planets, nebulae and other stunning night sky objects that can be seen in the night sky. Spectacular video imagery will bring viewers up close to black holes, star-forming nebulae and more, showing the newest discoveries in astrophysics while instilling a sense of wonder about our universe. (General Audience)

Strange and Distant Worlds
Could there be life elsewhere in the Universe? In their search for Earth-like worlds, astronomers have discovered some truly strange worlds! Come experience the newest discoveries in the cutting-edge science of exoplanet astronomy in this unique, visually stunning planetarium show. (General Audience)

Full Dome Planetarium Shows
Astronaut
What does it take to become an astronaut? This planetarium show takes you from Earth into space ... and beyond! The program will be followed by a brief tour of the night sky, using the planetarium's Zeiss star projector. (General Audience)

Earth's Changing Climate
Discover how our planet's climate affects--and is affected by--the sky, land, ice, sea, life and the people on Earth. The program will be followed by a brief tour of the night sky, using the planetarium's Zeiss star projector. (General Audience)

Solar System Oasis
Take a voyage through our Solar System in search of water, the key ingredient to life on Earth. The program will be followed by a brief tour of the night sky, using the planetarium's Zeiss star projector. (General Audience)

Two Small Pieces of Glass
From the moons of Jupiter to the rings of Saturn and the structure of galaxies, this show explores how telescopes have helped us understand our place in space and how they continue to expand our understanding of the cosmos. The program will be followed by a brief tour of the night sky, using the planetarium's Zeiss star projector. (General Audience)

The Cormack Planetarium

In 1993, the Cormack Planetarium completed its first major renovation since its construction in 1953. The Planetarium features a state-of-the-art Zeiss star projector and an enlarged domed ceiling on which the stars are projected. In 2008, the planetarium upgraded its multi-media capabilities. In 2012, the planetarium received a full dome projection system.
Scope of Planetarium Renovations

The renovations to the Planetarium involved rebuilding the entire facility.

Structural steel girders in the attic above the planetarium were moved to accommodate the new, larger dome. The dome measures 14' high and 28' in diameter. The walls of the room were reconfigured and a dramatic new entrance was added.

The heart of the Planetarium is a Zeiss star projector. This projector is able to show the starry sky and the motions of the planets in unprecedented detail. The projector is fully computer controlled so that it may precisely reproduce the motions seen in the sky. In 2009 the planetarium received an upgrade to its sound system and installed a LCD video projection system.

In 2012 a new full dome video system was installed with special showings offered throughout the year.

Sources(s):
https://www.providenceri.com/museum/planetarium
http://www.providenceri.com/museum/calendar