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, Saturday and Sunday, as well as MLK Day.

11:30am One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure
12:30pm IBEX: Interstellar Boundary Explorer
(Ages 5 & Up Only)
1:30pm Michigan Sky Tonight
2:30pm The Enchanted Reef
3:30pm Michigan Sky Tonight
(Ages 5 & Up Only)
Friday 7pm IBEX: Interstellar Boundary Explorer (Ages 5 & Up Only)
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
  • Jan Fiolka
  • 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.

IBEX: Interstellar Boundary Explorer


Join scientists who are investigating the boundary between our Solar System and the rest of our galaxy in IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System.

 

Designed for visitors with an appreciation for the challenges of space science and a desire to learn more about science research, IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System follows the creation of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX). Audiences will get an in-depth look at the mission and how IBEX is collecting high-speed atoms to create a map of our Solar System's boundary.

 

Narrated by two inquisitive teenagers, audiences will hear from the scientists and engineers that developed the IBEX mission and created the spacecraft, and get the latest updates on the mission's discoveries.

  • Now - July 4, 2010.
  • Friday at 7pm and Saturday/Sunday at 12:30pm
  • Tickets required in addition to museum admission
  • Ages 5 years old and up only.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure


One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure begins on Sesame Street when Elmo’s friend, Hu Hu Zhu, visits from China. Big Bird, Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu take viewers on an exciting discovery of the Sun, Moon, and stars.  They learn about the Big Dipper and the North Star and take an imaginary trip to the Moon where they learn that the Moon is a very different place from the Earth. When Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu imagine themselves back on Earth, they celebrate the idea that even though they live in two different countries, they still share the same sky.

  • Now Showing
  • Saturday/Sunday at 11:30am
  • 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 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, 2010.
  • 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.