Planetarium
Your gateway to the stars!
Bays Mountain Park is home to a state-of-the-art planetarium theater. The only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere!
Planetarium
Please note that our programming schedule adjusts for the time of year. Please click on the button below for our current schedule.
“Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries”
9/1/25 – 12/31/25
This exciting, new planetarium program transports viewers to Chile where the dark skies and dry, remote setting create ideal conditions for observing the Universe. 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. Against a backdrop of breathtaking visuals and a hypnotic soundtrack, Big Astronomy introduces the diverse people who push the limits of technology, enable scientific discovery and expand what we know about the Universe using state-of-the-art telescopes. Along the way, you’ll meet an inspiring cast of astronomers, engineers, technicians, and support staff who keep these mega-machines running.
Show length ~26 min.
This program will feature a unique look at the night sky from south of the equator utilizing our Zeiss ZKP4 star projector.
Note Regarding Ticket Purchases:
Did you know that you can purchase tickets online at any time through the City’s CivicRec portal? Just use the link button below to see all of the Park’s programming. If you don’t already have a CivicRec user account, create one for yourself and your family and then add your tickets to the cart and pay. There is no service fee and you can avoid the ticket lines. Just show us your tickets on your phone!
It is highly recommended that you purchase your tickets at least 15 minutes before the show time, in-house or online.
“The Sun”
1/2/26 – 4/30/25
The Sun has shone on our world for four and a half billion years. It is our nearest star and our planet’s source of the energy that drives our winds, our weather and all life. The light that warms our skin today has been felt by every person who has ever lived. Beginning in January, discover the secrets of our star in a fascinating new feature entitled “The Sun, Our Living Star”. Experience never-before-seen images of the Sun’s violent surface in immersive full dome format. This program will be followed by a brief tour of the current evening sky using our Zeiss ZKP-4 optical star projector.
Show length ~40 min.
Note Regarding Ticket Purchases:
Did you know that you can purchase tickets online at any time through the City’s CivicRec portal? Just use the link button below to see all of the Park’s programming. If you don’t already have a CivicRec user account, create one for yourself and your family and then add your tickets to the cart and pay. There is no service fee and you can avoid the ticket lines. Just show us your tickets on your phone!
It is highly recommended that you purchase your tickets at least 15 minutes before the show time, in-house or online.
“Appalachian Skies”
Ongoing
“Appalachian Skies” will take visitors on a majestic tour of the current evening sky using the spectacular Zeiss optical star projector instrument. Its fiber-optic generated star field is stunning and a pleasure to see. This live presentation is enhanced with additional content from our VELVET LED projectors for a wonderful, immersive experience. You don’t want to miss it!
Due to the live nature of the program, and the natural progression of the changing night sky throughout the seasons, each presentation will be unique! Learn what fascinating mythological constellations, from Ancient Greece and other cultures, will be easily visible. Marvel at their lore. Find out what planets are easily seen as well. Visitors will take this knowledge home and be able to locate these celestial sights for themselves.
Show length ~45 min.
Note Regarding Ticket Purchases:
Did you know that you can purchase tickets online at any time through the City’s CivicRec portal? Just use the link button below to see all of the Park’s programming. If you don’t already have a CivicRec user account, create one for yourself and your family and then add your tickets to the cart and pay. There is no service fee and you can avoid the ticket lines. Just show us your tickets on your phone!
It is highly recommended that you purchase your tickets at least 15 minutes before the show time, in-house or online.
FULL DOME & CLASSIC
Planetarium
Productions
Our programs have been shown across the globe in theaters worldwide!
Directions
