Goddard Planetaerum provides a variety of planetarium shows for all ages. Shows may be selected by the teacher any time during the year during available times. See the Google calendar above to find open times.
A few shows are only shown at specific times, such as the holiday show "Tis the Season" or "The ETs."
Grades PK - 1
In My Backyard
30 minutes
Children’s entertainer Fred Penner and his helper, Arnie the Arrow, set off to explore things large and small in Fred’s backyard. This show is a fun and participatory journey through the wonders of the outdoors, from the colors of the rainbow to the seasons, from “Great Bear” star stories to the moon and planets.
 Larry, Cat in Space
30 minutes.
Larry, Cat in Space, is a playful, imaginative cartoon presentation about an inquisitive cat who takes a trip to the Moon. The Moon base crew petitions to keep Larry, and the Commander relents. He even makes Larry a cat space suit. When Larry ventures outside, he spots the Earth, looking a lot like the Moon did from the porch at home. This program is also available in Spanish.
Grades 2-3
 Our Place in Space
32 minutes.
While solving a crossword puzzle about the sky, endangered animals explore the cause of day and night, the importance of our star the Sun, the beauty of the constellations, and the variety of objects that make up the Universe.
Grades 4 and up
 The Cowboy Astronomer
37 minutes
Ages 8 and up.
A skillfully woven tapestry of star tales and Native American legends, combined with constellation identification, star-hopping, and astronomy tidbits — all told from the unique viewpoint of a cowboy astronomer who has traveled the world plying his trade and learning the sky along the way.
 More Than Meets the Eye
The show is a geneesral introduction to astronomy and discusses objects in the night sky and teach stargazing techniques. These ideas are woven throughout the program, and help relate the information presented in the show to the lives of students, families, and the general public. Images are shown from several perspectives including your eyes, binoculars, telescopes and images from spacecraft.
 The Planets
40 minutes
Ages 10 and up
With spectacular digital video and up-to-date information, you'll witness the formation of the Solar System, take a tour of the Sun's family of worlds, and uncover the varied worlds that circle suns beyond our own. Narrated by Kate Mulgrew, star of Star Trek: Voyager. Produced by the Southeastern Planetarium Association.  MarsQuest
40 mnutes
Ages 8 and up
MarsQuest is a chronicle tracing our centuries-long cultural and scientific fascination with the planet Mars. Set in a theatrical style "three-act" form with an epilogue, it weaves a satisfying narrative of what Mars means to humanity.
 Bad Astronomy
40 minutes
Ages 8 and up
Were the Apollo missions to the Moon actually a hoax? Have aliens ever landed on Earth? Can you tell your future by the stars? Join Phil Plait, the Bad Astronomer, as he takes a critical look at popular myths and misconceptions about astronomy. Produced by the Detroit Science Center’s Dassault Systemes Planetarium.
Specialty
 Tis the Season
35 minutes
This presentation traces the history and development of many of the world's most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season. The show also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice — not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions.
The ETs: Where Are They?
55 minutes
This show is tradtionally shown during the UFO Festival in July, but may be shown on request. It is recommended for high school or college level. |
