Please note that our programming schedule adjusts for the time of year. Please click on the button below for our current schedule.
Main Feature
“Unveiling the Invisible Universe”
9/1/23 – 12/31/23
For thousands of years, humans observed the light from the night sky with just their eyes.
In the beginning of the 17th century, the invention of the telescope revolutionized our knowledge of the optical Universe.
In the 20th century, with the advent of rockets, it became possible to go above the Earth’s atmosphere and observe X-ray and gamma ray radiation from the hot and violent Universe. Not only light, though, can provide information about the Cosmos. Neutrinos and cosmic rays reveal even more.
Recently, detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO experiment of two merging black holes opened a new window into astrophysics.
This program will delve into these different ways we learn about the Cosmos.
The program is followed by a live, brief tour of the current evening sky using our Zeiss ZKP-4 optical star projector. Due to its live nature, and the natural progression of the changing night sky throughout the seasons, each tour 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 ~35 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.
Alternate Feature
“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 ~35 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.
Please note that our programming schedule adjusts for the time of year. Please click on the button below for our current schedule.
Main Feature
“Totality”
1/2/24 – 4/7/24
“Totality” is a fascinating look at all the wonders of eclipses, especially total solar eclipses. An eclipse is described simply as when one celestial object blocks another from our view. This program, produced by Bays Mountain Planetarium, examines what eclipses are, how and when they occur, and what wonderful sights they create. We also look back to a fascinating period in scientific discovery when general relativity was proven with the photographic recording of a total solar eclipse.
Our production includes a variety of wonderful styles – from spectacular space environments to humorous pop-up books. A very special part of the show relates, in a very human way, what happens when you are caught in the shadow of the Moon and the Sun is plunged into a total solar eclipse. You will love this program.
The program is followed by a live, brief tour of the current evening sky using our Zeiss ZKP-4 optical star projector. Due to its live nature, and the natural progression of the changing night sky throughout the seasons, each tour 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 ~35 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.
Please note that our programming schedule adjusts for the time of year. Please click on the button below for our current schedule.
Tickets are $6.00 per person. Children ages 5 and under will be given a free pass with a paying adult.
Park members enjoy free passes!
Group rates to regularly scheduled public shows are $4.00 per person. The group must have at least 15 people, including children of all ages, and no other discounts may be used with group rates. Groups must make reservations in advance by calling 423-229-9447. The tickets will be released if not purchased within 30 minutes of show time.
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.
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