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.

astronomy logo
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 Saturday/Sunday.

11:30am Young Stargazers Sky Journey
12:30pm Bad Astronomy (Ages 5 & Up Only)
1:30pm Michigan Sky Tonight
2:30pm Two Small Pieces of Glass
3:30pm Michigan Sky Tonight (Ages 5 & Up Only)
Friday 7pm Bad Astronomy (Ages 5 & Up Only)
Friday 8pm Michigan Sky Tonight
Friday 9pm Rock Around the Dome

Planetarium Schedule & Shows! (Beginning Nov. 25, 2009 - January 3, 2010)

Planetarium programs run Friday evenings and daily through Labor Day.

11:30am Young Stargazers Sky Journey
12:30pm Mystery of the Christmas Star (Ages 5 & Up Only)
1:30pm Michigan Sky Tonight
2:30pm Christmas Lights!
3:30pm Michigan Sky Tonight (Ages 5 & Up Only)
7pm Mystery of the Christmas Star
Friday 8pm Michigan Sky Tonight
Friday 9pm Rock Around the Dome

(Please note: Macromedia Flash is required to view this trailer. Click here to get the current Flash plugin.)

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.


VISITOR'S TIPS
  • Programs begin promptly. We suggest you arrive an hour before showtime. Always leave yourself enough time to park the car, purchase tickets, check your coats and strollers, visit the restrooms, etc.
  • Planetariums are not like movie theaters. Planetariums are too dark to allow audience members to come and go as they please (it is dangerous and disruptive). Latecomers will not be admitted.
  • Visit the restrooms before the program begins. Once the lights go down, visitors can leave, but are not permitted to reenter (see above).
  • Planetariums are great places for kids, but to recreate a nighttime environment the planetarium theater has to be dark. Note that strollers are not permitted.
  • Please turn off cell phones, beepers and other noisy electronic or light emitting devices while inside the theater.
  • Note: food and drink are not permitted in the planetarium.

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
  • Janice Goldman
  • Doug Goudie
  • Rick Kovari
  • Marty Kunz
  • Bob MacFarland
  • Michael J. Narlock (Head of Astronomy/Web Coordinator)
  • Claudia Voit

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.


Mystery of the Christmas Star

 

Journey back 2000 years to examine the scientific explanation for the star the wise men followed.
 

Using recorded sightings of significant astronomical occurrences during related historical events, we’ll investigate possible dates for the birth of Christ. This astronomical look at the Christmas story is sure to charm and captivate audiences of all ages.


Please note that the 12:30pm program is for ages 5 and above only.

  • Sat/Sun Nov. 28-Jan. 3, 2010 at 12:30pm; 7pm Fridays
  • Weekdays Nov. 25, 27; Dec. 21-23 & 28-30 at 12:30pm
  • Tickets required in addition to museum admission
  • Ages 5 and up only for 12:30pm program.

NEW - Bad Astronomy

Join the "Bad Astronomer", Phil Plait, as he takes a critical look at popular myths and misconceptions to show audiences how science can be used to evaluate questionable claims. Bad Astronomy will interest both new and experienced astronomers of all ages as it examines bad science wherever it can be found. 

Download the trailer.

  • Through Nov. 22, 2009
  • Friday at 7pm; Saturday/Sunday at 12:30pm
  • Tickets required in addition to museum admission
  • Ages 5 and up only

NEW - Two Small Pieces of Glass

Two Small Pieces of Glass" traces the history of the telescope from Galileo's modifications of a spyglass-using two small pieces of glass-to the launch of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the future of astronomy.  This show explores the wonder and discovery made by astronomers throughout the last 400 years. 

Join us as we view the magnificence of Saturn's rings, explore the Galilean Moons, and other galaxies. "We gain an understanding of how some of the largest observatories operate and see how telescopes are used in exploration of the cosmos.

This program is also accompanied by a brief exploration of the current Michigan night sky.

Download the trailer.

  • Through Nov. 22, 2009
  • Saturday/Sunday at 2:30pm
  • Tickets required in addition to museum admission

    Recommended for 5 years old and up.


  • Young Stargazers Sky Journey

    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.

    This is a live-narrated program.

    Download the trailer.

    (Please note: Macromedia Flash is required to view this trailer. Click here to get the current Flash plugin.)

    • Now - Dec. 30, 2009
    • Tickets required in addition to museum admission
    • Saturday/Sunday at 11:30am

    Recommended for 3 years old and up.


    Michigan Sky Tonight

    MST" 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!

    Michigan Sky Tonight is a live-narrated program updated every Friday to reflect the latest events in the night sky and other cosmic happenings.

    Download the trailer.

    (Please note: Macromedia Flash is required to view this trailer. Click here to get the current Flash plugin.)

    • Now - Dec. 30, 2009.
    • Friday at 8pm and Saturday/Sunday at 1:30 and 3:30pm
    • This program changes weekly to incorporate the latest astronomical discoveries and items of particular interest in our Michgan skies.
    • Tickets required in addition to museum admission

    Recommended for 5 years old and up.




    Cranbrook Institute of Science planetarium.