Planetarium shows
The Wayne State Planetarium presents public planetarium shows on most Friday evenings throughout the year. Our planetarium shows consist of three parts: interactive demonstrations, the current night sky and a fulldome film.
We begin with an interactive demonstration, "Learn About Size and Distance in Our Solar System." Watch as we compare the diameters of the Earth, Moon and Mars, and show you how to determine the distances between these celestial objects. As the lights go down, we'll show you how to navigate the current night sky where you'll learn how to identify constellations, asterisms, planets and more!
General shows 🌌
Public shows are free and open to everyone. Due to strong interest, we recommend you reserve seats if you are coming from a distance.
Young astronomers ☄️
Geared towards children under 10 and their families, our young astronomer shows last about one hour. While children are welcome at our Friday evening shows as well, these shows are specifically designed with the younger astronomer in mind.
Tickets and seating 🎟️
- Admission is free.
- A reservation for public planetarium shows is recommended.
- Two-thirds of seats are reservable the Sunday before the show. One-third of seats are available for walk-ins at the door.
- Ticketed attendees should arrive at least 10 minutes before the beginning of the show. After this time, unclaimed seats will be released to walk-in members of the public.
- Our planetarium holds 60 people. If you're interested in bringing a large group, please make a group reservation for a private show.
Shows by audience 👥
Grades K through 12
The Wayne State Planetarium offers private shows for K-12 school groups, math and science centers, special interest groups and community organizations for a fee. We offer a variety of educational outreach programs that incorporate our planetarium shows with physics demonstrations (Phantastic Physics Phenomena) and hands-on science activities. Our planetarium programs include comprehensive astronomy education for grades K-12 aligned with Michigan science standards and seats 60 people.
Astronomy and physics students
Planetarium shows constitute an integral part of the Wayne State Bachelor in Astronomy program and the AST 2010 Descriptive Astronomy course curriculum. Students enrolled in AST2010 have two opportunities to visit the planetarium during the semester.
Learn more about astronomy/physics student shows.
Wayne State groups
Wayne State University registered student organizations, departments and other groups may reserve the planetarium for events or organize private planetarium shows for your group at zero or minimal cost depending on circumstances.
Under the dome lecture series 👨🏽🏫👩🏼🏫
This free in-person open to the public lecture series focuses on current research in the liberal arts and sciences and is proudly supported by the Rita & Stanley Levy and Ratna & Vaman Naik Endowment. Light refreshments will be provided.
Show catalog 🎥
Explore our available in-person fulldome and virtual shows at the planetarium.
Find us 📍
The WSU Planetarium is located in the Old Main Building (the building with the clock tower) at the corner of Cass and Warren Avenues on the campus of Wayne State University.
Address
4841 Cass Avenue, Suite 0209
Detroit, Michigan 48201
Contact
📱 313-577-6455
📧 planetarium@wayne.edu
💬 Messenger: @WayneStatePlanetarium
Building access and parking
Main entrance 🏫: Enter the Old Main Building from the Cass Avenue entrance, walk down the stairs and continue straight ahead. You'll see our beautiful murals and the double doors of our planetarium on your right, suite 0209!
Accessible entrance ♿️: Enter the Old Main Building from the Hancock Street entrance, closest to the corner of Cass Avenue.