Below is a description of the planetarium shows in our library that may be selected by private groups and field trips. For a list of the shows in our public show schedule, please visit our Current Schedule Page
Planetarium Shows
New For 2024-2025
Perfect Little Planet
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5
Covered subject areas: Solar System
Imagine the ultimate space vacation. Discover our solar system through a different set of eyes – a family from another star system seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known Dwarf Planet. Dive over the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms at Jupiter. And walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose? This is the solar system journey for space travelers of all ages.
Khrumka and the Magic Rocket
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5
Covered subject areas:
In this fulldome show for children, Khrumka and his friend Kippy, learn about space in their little school in the fairy tale forest and then, accompanied by cute robot guide, Robik, go on an amazing journey through the Solar System in a magic rocket.
Rising Star: A South African Astronomy Journey
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8
Covered subject areas:
Rising Star takes you on an astronomical journey from our beginnings through the development of astronomy research in South Africa and looks at what the future of astronomy holds for the country. In addition to introducing multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy, it highlights the many remarkable facilities hosted in South Africa along with some of their latest results. This includes unrestricted views of the 10-metre class Southern African Large Telescope and the most powerful radio telescope in the Southern Hemisphere, MeerKAT. The film is accessible to all ages and aims to excite audiences from around the world about South African astronomy, while inspiring the next generation of astronomers.
Mayan Archaeoastronomy
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8
Covered subject areas:
In a feast of colors and sounds, Mayan Archaeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe makes a tour of 6 Mayan temples: San Gervasio, Chichen Itzá, Uxmal, Edzná, Palenque and Bonampak where the spectator dives into a Mayan world of knowledge about the importance of the orientations of its temples in relation to the movement of some stars like the Sun, the Moon and Venus.
Supermassive Black Holes
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 6-12
Covered subject areas:
Leading scientists in observational and theoretical studies of black holes and galaxies, industrial experts in cutting-edge big technologies, and professionals in science dissemination have been brought together to set up research projects which will combine the latest state-of-the-art observations, numerical simulations and innovative analytic tools to compare theory with observation, and shed light on the physics of black hole formation in the context of galaxy evolution. This planetarium show presents the environments of the black holes in an impressive and understandable way to the audience.
Space: The New Frontier (Available beginning January 2025)
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8
Covered subject areas:
An entire generation came of age with the indescribable awe of landing on the Moon — and the ensuing Golden Age of Space has changed our world forever for the better. More than 50 years later, what is the next step for humankind? A second golden age of space has quietly dawned on us, with new hope for humanity as a spacefaring species. In the quest to make human spaceflight accessible within in a decade, not a century, and ultimately affordable to ordinary citizens, leading innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers, and daredevils are locked in a race into the unknown. From self-assembling habitats, commercial space stations, launching rockets without fuel to building the Lunar Gateway to deep space, history is in the making as we speak.
Space: The New Frontier captures a time as epic as the Giant Screen, and as real as our present moment. Come aboard: life on earth or in space will not be the same again.
Serengeti (Available beginning January 2025)
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8
Covered subject areas:
Life happened in the Serengeti on an unprecedented scale. It’s home to most of Africa’s iconic animals, and hosts one of the world’s greatest natural events — the annual wildebeest migration. Nature has orchestrated a perfect symphony in which every species has a very distinct role to play in a larger story — the balance of an entire ecosystem. A film for all ages, audiences will follow the newest members of the animal cast as they imitate their parents and embark on their life’s journeys.
Great for school groups
Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8
Covered subject areas:
Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit explores the ways in which NASA uses underwater environments to simulate life and work in space, offering a fascinating look into the high-
tech world of astronauts. Join astronaut Chris Cassidy (former ISS Commander) as he trains in his space suit alongside a full-sized mock-up of the International Space Station in a giant underwater facility in Houston. Dive to the sea floor with NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps as she lives underwater with fellow astronauts for ten continuous days at Aquarius Reef Base in Florida. Find out what it takes to live and work in space.
Beyond the Sun
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8
Covered subject areas: Solar System, Exoplanets, Space Science & Astronomy, Younger Audiences
Celeste is a little girl who wants to explore the Universe, find new Earths and learn how to find exoplanets. While fighting off sleep in her room by reading a book on astronomy, she receives an unexpected visit from Moon. Together, they enjoy a journey through the Universe to discover what exoplanets are and how they can be detected. They observe rogue planets, oceanic worlds and super-Earths. Moon tells her about exoplanet hunters, who observe the sky in search of planets like Earth. Many adventures are yet to come. But first, she needs some rest. Celeste drops off to sleep waiting for the next visit of Moon.
Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival
Suitable for: General Audience, Grades 1-5
Covered Subject Areas: Biology, Dinosaurs, Adaptations
What if I told you that there are still dinosaurs among us? This show will take audiences on an exciting adventure that will show them the Earth as it was in the very, very distant past. You will see the fascinating transformations that these animals underwent over millions of years, creating giant creatures, armored beasts and super predators, until the day that a cataclysmic impact event caused a mass extinction on Earth, and learn the key to their survival today.
Magic Globe: A Story of The Seasons
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5
Covered subject areas: Climate and Environment, Earth Science, Life Science & Nature, Weather, Younger Audiences
On vacation at her grandpa’s, a little girl Mia accidentally discovers a mysterious piece of astronomical machinery. Edek, Mia’s eccentric uncle, tricks the girl into using the tool’s secret powers to change the world’s seasons. She quickly realizes the consequences of what they are going to do, but Edek doesn’t want to let the plan go.
Magic Globe is an engaging story designed to interest and challenge children from 5 to 12 years old. It has a clear educational structure with all science-related topics broken down into manageable chunks and naturally woven into the storyline. It allows children to recap knowledge they already have as well as learn multiple new concepts while following the story, which makes it perfect for mixed-ability audiences.
Journey Through Space Live
Suitable for: Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8
Let one of our qualified educators take you on a guided tour through space. This live-interactive show can be tailor made to cover the earth and space science content most appropriate for your students. Topics can include: planets of the solar system, sun/earth/moon systems, constellations & the night sky, deep space objects, galaxies and more!
Accidental Astronauts: A Sun, Earth, Moon Adventure
Suitable for: Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8
Covered subject areas: Entertainment, Solar System, Space Science & Astronomy, Younger Audiences
Follow the adventures of Sy, Annie, their dog Armstrong, and a wise-cracking starship computer, as they embark on an unexpected journey into space! Bounce along with these new explorers on the surface of the Moon, get up close and personal with a solar storm, and gain a new appreciation of our home planet.
Earth, Moon, & Sun
Suitable for: Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8
Covered subject areas: Earth Science, Entertainment, Moon Phases, Year Cycle, Space Science & Astronomy, Younger Audiences
Secret of the Cardboard Rocket
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8
Covered subject areas: Cosmology, Solar System, Space Science & Astronomy
Embark on an amazing adventure as two children spend a night touring the solar system alongside their ship’s navigator, a talking astronomy book. This continues to be one of the most popular shows in the fulldome industry world-wide.
The Little Star That Could
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 1-3
Covered subject areas: Cosmology, Solar System, Space Science & Astronomy
Eclipse: The Sun Revealed
Suitable for: All Ages
Covered Subject Areas: Sun, Earth, Moon, Safety
On April 8, 2024, the Moon will cast its shadow on the Earth, tracing a narrow path across North America. If you stand in just the right place you will see the Moon cover up the Sun in a total solar eclipse! Don’t miss the incredible experience! Learn how to safely observe eclipses, why they happen, and how the study of eclipses has advanced science. April 8, 2024: where will you be?
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Documentaries and Shows Great for All Audiences
Great Barrier Reef
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Covered Subject Areas: Biology, ecosystems, marine wildlife, conservation
Every year millions of visitors travel by way of fins, flippers and feet to see one of the seven wonders of the natural world: the Great Barrier Reef – a living treasure trove of biodiversity. There is still so much to learn and knowledge is the key to understanding more about this living Eden. A thriving metropolis populated by a cast of characters straight out of an adventure novel – heroes, bad guys, sidekicks, lovers and clowns – they’re all players in this vast underwater drama. Today, a new generation of reef guardians are committed to protecting this marine reserve, making a difference and sharing their knowledge of this extraordinary ecosystem, the beating heart of the reef. Learn how this amazing sanctuary has endured for thousands of years and will continue to do so far into the future.
Faster Than Light
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Covered subject areas: Cosmology, Mathematics, Space Science & Astronomy
Astronomers are racing to find habitable worlds, including any that might exist in the neighborhood of our Sun. But if we find one, how will we ever get there? How long will it take? What rocket designs might one day conquer the voids of space?
Faster Than Light: the Dream of Interstellar Flight will dazzle audiences with virtual rides aboard spacecraft of the future. They are based on whole new technologies designed to achieve ultra-high speeds, using exotic next generation rocket fuels and breakthrough concepts in physics. How far can our technology take us?
Sea Lions: Life By a Whisker
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8
A heart-warming journey of a sea lion pup, and the man that has dedicated his life trying to save her species. Embark on an epic quest through the uninhabited wilderness of the Great Australian Bight, to the lush kelp forests off the Californian coast.
Educator Guides: Grades 3-5; Grades 6-8
Mountain Adventure: Out of Bounds
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
Follow Olympian Torah Bright as she journeys through the world’s longest chain of mountain ranges extending from Antarctica all the way to Alaska. Along the journey, Torah will ride with backcountry legend Jeremy Jones and freeskiing superstar Sammy Carlson. Together, they will encounter penguins, polar bears, and other wildlife, and meet with scientists and environmentalists to uncover a deeper understanding of our mountain ecosystems.
5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe
Suitable for: General Audience, Grade 6-12
Covered Subject Areas: Astronomy, Engineering, Cosmos
The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is creating the most detailed map of our nearby universe. Installed on the Mayall telescope on Kitt Peak in Southern Arizona, DESI’s 5000 independently operated robots can measure the light from millions of galaxies at once. Come explore the science, instrument, and people behind this global endeavor.
Asteroid: Mission Extreme
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
Asteroid: Mission Extreme takes audiences on an epic journey to discover the potential that asteroids present to facilitate manned space travel. Through stunning visuals and state of the art computer graphics, the film will present the fascinating idea, based on real science, that asteroids could be used as stepping stones to other worlds, veritable “way stations” in space enabling us to cross the entire Solar System.
Cosmic Mashups: Gravity, Galaxies, & Supermassive Blackholes
Suitable for: General Audience, Grade 6-12
Covered Subject Areas: Cosmos, galaxies, black holes
Supermassive black holes are found in most galaxies and we’re beginning to uncover how the merging of galaxies activate galactic centers. This engaging fulldome film was produced by Fiske Planetarium in collaboration with CU Boulder APS Professor, Dr. Julie Comerford and former graduate student Dr. Becky Nevin through support from an NSF award.
Cosmic Journey
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
Volcanoes tower 80,000 feet above a barren surface. Monstrous hurricanes rage for 400 years. And multicolored rings sit suspended in air. In Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure, you will travel through our solar system faster than the speed of light, taking in the wonders of the planets and their moons.
Big Astronomy
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-12
In Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries, journey to three world-class observatories in Chile’s rugged Andes Mountains and arid Atacama Desert—remote, extreme regions that happen to have the perfect conditions for astronomical research. Along the way, you’ll meet an inspiring cast of astronomers, engineers, technicians, and support staff who keep these mega-machines running.
To Space And Back
Suitable for: General Audiences, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-12
To Space & Back takes audiences on an incredible journey from the far reaches of our known universe to our own planet. It is an extraordinary story of human ingenuity and incredible engineering, describing how the technology that transports us through space is paving the way for the devices and apps we use every day. What’s happening above is coming back down to Earth! Discover how we’ve been changed by space exploration, and what we owe to curiosity and the spirit of discovery.
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Holiday Shows
Spooky Space
Suitable for: General Audiences, Ages 6+
Covered subject areas: Moon, Nebulas, Black Holes, Light Spectrum
Looking for cosmic fun this Halloween season? Would you like to meet the stars — the stars of Halloween? Monsters, zombies, and ghosts — and their far more terrible counterparts in space? Oh yes, space has its monsters: Black holes, zombie stars, and spectacular ghostly nebulae!
*This show contains brief animated depictions of Halloween creatures such as monsters, zombies, and ghosts
Mystery of the Christmas Star
Suitable for: General Audiences
Covered subject areas:
Journey back over 2000 years to Bethlehem as we seek to discover a scientific explanation for the star the wise men followed to find the baby Jesus. This modern retelling of the Christmas story is sure to charm and captivate audiences of all ages.
Season of Light
Suitable for: General Audiences
Covered Subject Areas:
Season of Light explores the reasons humans are so fascinated with lighting up our lives during the December holiday season. It’s an exploration of the astronomical meanings behind seasonal traditions, including the “Star over Bethlehem”. This show traces the history and development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season — from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminarias in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah.
Let It Snow
Suitable for: General Audiences
Covered subject areas:
“Let it Snow” features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning multi-media finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation, laser imagery, special effects and all-dome scenery in the audiovisual setting of the Planetarium’s Hansen Dome Theatre. This 32-minute program is a fun and entertaining experience for all ages, especially families!
