The planetarium at Cranbrook Institute of Science is an intimate theater that allows you to explore and experience the universe. It features a state-of-the-art Digistar 3 SP2 star projector manufactured by Evans & Sutherland Corp., a company also renowned for its simulation products for aviation and government clients. The Digistar allows star fields and other images to be projected and moved in three dimensions.
Interested in learning more about astronomy? Would you like to download your own star chart or sundial? The main astronomy page contains astronomy resources, local astronomy club information, NASA/JPL mission information, late breaking astronomy news and more! It's located under Science & Research, then Collections & Research, then Astronomy.
Tickets are required for all programs, either entertainment shows or educational programs, in the planetarium in addition to museum admission. They can be purchased at the museum entrance desk. There is no late seating.
| Ticket prices: | |
| Ages two to adult: | $4 per program plus museum admission |
| Institute members: | $3 per program |
| Children under 2: | $1 per program |
Planetarium Schedule & Shows!
Planetarium programs run Friday evenings and every Saturday & Sunday during the day. Through Labor Day, the weekend schedule will be offered daily.
| 11:30am | Young Stargazers Sky Journey |
| 12:30pm | Invaders of Mars (Ages 5 & Up Only) |
| 1:30pm | Michigan Sky Tonight |
| 2:30pm | Secret of the Cardboard Rocket |
| 3:30pm | Michigan Sky Tonight (Ages 5 & Up Only) |
| Friday 7pm | Invaders of Mars (Ages 5 & Up Only) |
| Friday 8pm | Michigan Sky Tonight |
| Friday 9pm | Rock Around the Dome |
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These shows are for general admission visitors. School groups and other groups may attend regularly scheduled public astronomy or entertainment shows, but are limited to 35 people per program. Private astronomy or entertainment shows for up to 75 people can be scheduled weekday mornings and afternoons throughout the school year. Further information is available on our Group Visits Web page.
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VISITOR'S TIPS
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Staff
The astronomy staff at Cranbrook Institute of Science consists of museum professionals and dedicated part-time staff and volunteers. The members of the astronomy team are active telescope observers and are knowledgeable about all aspects of the field and the hobby of amateur astronomy. In the observatory or after a planetarium show, be sure to chat with them. They love sharing their interest in astronomy with others. The Cranbrook Astronomy staff are:
- Ray Bullock
- Alex Duric
- Jan Fiolka
- Rick Kovari
- Marty Kunz
- Bob MacFarland
- Michael J. Narlock (Head of Astronomy/Web Coordinator)
Contact Us
We're interested in your comments and we'd love to hear from you. If you have specific questions or need further information about Cranbrook's astronomy programs, please contact us.
Michael J. Narlock
Head of Astronomy/Web Coordinator
Cranbrook Institute of Science
39221 Woodward Avenue
P.O. Box 801
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-0801
mnarlock@cranbrook.edu
Astronomy/Educational Programs in the Planetarium
Astronomy/Educational programs in the planetarium are a fascinating and enjoyable way to learn about the science of astronomy, space exploration and more. Tickets are required.
These shows are for general admission visitors. School groups and other groups may attend regularly scheduled public sky shows, but are limited to 35 people per program. Private astronomy shows for up to 75 people can be scheduled weekday mornings and afternoons throughout the school year. Further information is available on our Group Visits Web page.
This beautifully crafted show highlights our ongoing exploration of Mars. Under the care of Emmy award winning space artist, Don Davis, we explore the Martian surface as seen by Earth's various spacecraft "invaders" and use the data gathered to explore the red planet as only CGI can. We fly over the great chasms, canyons and volcanoes, descend amid the ice of a Martian polar cap and are buffeted by swirling dust devils. Blinded by the planet-wide storms which engulf this world from time to time we emerge to discover a whole new world which is the red planet Mars. The invaders have landed!
Make the sky turn dark and sprinkle the sky with stars! The setting is complete as you embark on an exciting and educational journey through the night sky and the planets of our solar system.
What will I see when I go outside tonight? What’s happening at Saturn? What are the latest hot topics in Astronomy? Michigan Sky Tonight is a live-narrated program about what’s happening in the current night sky and in the universe of astronomy, from constellations to comets, planets to pulsars. In this 45-minute astronomical tour de force, you’ll also learn how to use a starchart that we provide for you to keep! 
Embark on an outstanding adventure as two children spend a night touring the solar system alongside their ship's navigator, an astronomy book. Produced with state of the art 3-D animation and a soundtrack with spectacular effects created at George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch. (40 minutes)
