The Sky Tonight

Embark on a captivating tour of the night sky as seen from our area, featuring visible planets, bright stars, seasonal constellations, periodic comets, upcoming rocket launches, and more!

In March, look up and find Venus, which is rapidly catching up to us as it speeds around the Sun. It will be far brighter than the brightest star, standing out in clear skies. Sometimes it’s even mistaken for a UFO! Have you been fooled before?

At the start of April, Venus glows low in the western sky at sunset, drifting closer to Jupiter as the month unfolds. Though dazzlingly bright, Venus can appear surprisingly plain through a telescope. Instead, it’s best appreciated with the unaided eye, shining brilliantly in our planetarium sky.

In May, you can spot the Big Dipper at sunset! It consists of seven distinct stars in a part of the sky with few stars of comparable brightness. Learn how the Dipper can help you locate additional bright asterisms, major and minor constellations, deep-sky objects, and even the shortest route from here to intergalactic space.

Recommended for ages 8+; 60-minute live and interactive show. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged.

*Please note the following changes to the planetarium show schedule:

• Planetarium shows will not be offered on Saturday, April 18.