Planetarium Shows
A wide variety of multimedia planetarium shows are offered in the Ethyl Corporation IMAX®DOME & Planetarium. These educational and entertaining shows usually last 10 to 20 minutes and deal with astronomy, space and related subjects. In addition to featured public shows suitable for a general audience of all ages, special school programs are also offered.
To make reservations for groups of ten or more to any of the above shows, please contact our Sales & Information Office.
Planetarium shows are free with museum admission.
What's Up? Night Sky Observations
Catch the very latest images from the great observatories of the sky: the Hubble Space Telescope, Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory, Chandra X-Ray Observatory and Spitzer Space Telescope. These images are followed by a look at the constellations and planets visible in the current night sky in this 15-minute show.
LiveSky
Would you like to know what's up - in the sky, that is - this month? Do you have a nagging question about astronomy but don't know any astronomers to ask? Is there a favorite star or constellation that you'd like to learn how find in the sky?
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then LiveSky is for you. This show takes you on a guided tour of the current night sky and brings you up to date on the latest celestial happenings. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and make requests of your astronomer host. Since the sky is always changing and audience questions and requests vary, each LiveSky show is different.
LiveSky is free and is presented on the third Friday of every month. See our schedule.
Sky Watch
Join members of the Richmond Astronomical Society on the museum's front lawn as they share their powerful telescopes for a look at the night sky.
Sky Watch is presented on the third Friday of every month, weather permitting. Free.
| Month | Start Time |
|---|---|
| January & February | 7:00pm |
| March & April | 8:00pm |
| May | 8:30pm |
| June & July | 9:00pm |
| August | 8:30pm |
| September | 8:00pm |
| October, November & December | 7:00pm |
By Request!
Boy Scout Astronomy Merit Badge LiveSky
Scouts gain the background knowledge they'll need to earn their astronomy merit badges. This special two-hour LiveSky takes place in the IMAX® DOME and includes star maps and other study guides.
Fee: $12 per scout (Minimum 15 people). One chaperon is required for every 10 scouts and is admitted free. Additional adults $12 each. Note: This special program is by request only and subject to availability. For reservation, please call (804) 864-1400 or 800-659-1727, press 2.