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.
| 11:30am | Young Stargazers Sky Journey |
| 12:30pm | Seven Wonders (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 | Seven Wonders (Ages 5 & Up Only) |
| Friday 8pm | Michigan Sky Tonight |
| Friday 9pm | Rock Hall of Fame 2 |
(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.
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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.
Turn back the pages of time and witness the ancient wonders of the world as they have not been seen for thousands of years. We will investigate the theories of how these wonders were created and get a glimpse of some of the universe's greatest wonders.
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)
