K-12 shows
The Wayne State Planetarium brings passion and enthusiasm for science and learning! Our shows and activities incorporate Michigan State educational standards and all of our staff are affiliated with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, bringing a dedication to science, teaching and research to their planetarium shows.
Seating 🎟️
Our planetarium comfortably seats 60 people. If your group exceeds this, we suggest that you pair your visit to our planetarium with the Phantastic Physics Phenomena. While half of your group is in the planetarium, the other half will be watching physics demos and then we'll switch.
Planetarium show 🔭
Our planetarium shows last approximately 60 to 75 minutes and include a 30-minute fulldome film and a live presentation by one of our stellar Astronomy students. Shows can focus on a variety of topics depending on the needs of your class, including:
- Our solar system and Earth's place in it
- An overview of the current night sky and constellations
- Galaxy formation and the variety of galaxy types in the universe, with a special view of our galaxy, the Milky Way
- Stellar evolution combined with stories of the constellations of Orion and friends
- The Sun, eclipses and solar astronomy
- Phases of the moon
- Exoplanets and the search for life in our solar system and beyond
- Plate tectonics and the rocky planets of our solar system
- Why does the Earth have seasons?
Phantastic Physics Phenomena show 🔥
Stick around for the after-party. Phantastic Physics Phenomena are demonstrations led by planetarium staff or physics faculty. Many of the phenomena relate to astronomy, such as exploring very cold temperatures or understanding how planetary motion works.
Fire tornado
Marvel at a "fire tornado" and learn about the physics behind this fascinating phenomenon.
The Cold of Space
Find out how cold space is and why we need space suits for our astronauts with this liquid nitrogen demonstration!
Solar Systems and Figure Skaters
Planets closer to the sun orbit more quickly than those further away – why is that? Learn about the principle of the conservation of angular momentum with this demonstration of the "skater's spin" and see how this principle applies to skaters and planets.
Electromagnetic energy
Learn about energy through our Van de Graff machine and our Tesla Coil!
Note: There is an additional fee for Phantastic Physics Phenomena.
Other museums in Old Main 🏛️
Contact the other galleries and museums in our building to confirm their availability on the day of your visit and expand your learning.