Gladwin Planetarium
Inside our theater, the stars are always out.
Our expert Astronomy Programs presenters are ready to answer your questions during interactive live presentations. Get to know the stars of Santa Barbara, the universe, and the wonders of space. Our Evans & Sutherland Digistar 7 dual-projection system with 4K resolution allows us to provide exciting, immersive educational adventures.
Planetarium shows are included with admission, but capacity is limited. Listen for the announcement on the speaker system in our exhibit halls inviting you to line up in front of Space Sciences 5–10 minutes in advance of each show. First come, first served.
There's more beyond the planetarium: check out all our Astronomy Programs.
Shows for Fall 2023
Weekdays in Fall
Please note that the Museum is closed Tuesdays. Weekday shows are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
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Exploring the Solar System – 1:00 PM
(recommended for ages 5 and up; 40 minutes)Travel along with us on a faster-than-light journey through the solar system. Observe where the planets will be in tonight’s sky, and cruise through outer space to visit them at sci-fi speeds! Take an up-close look at each planet and their moons, as if riding along with the satellites orbiting these faraway worlds. This presentation includes live Q&A with the presenter.
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Habitat Earth – 2:00 PM
(recommended for ages 5 and up; 40 minutes)Discover what it means to live in today’s connected world, where biological networks intersect with our own increasingly complex environment. Through stunning visualizations, dive beneath the ocean’s surface to witness the dynamic ecological relationships within kelp forests, burrow beneath the forest floor to see how some of Earth’s tallest trees depend on tiny fungi to survive, and journey to new heights to witness the intricate intersection between human and ecological networks. Narrated by Frances McDormand.
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Exploring the Autumn Sky – 3:00 PM
(recommended for ages 5 and up; 40 minutes)Join us for a tour of tonight’s sky. We’ll learn about the constellations and planets visible in Santa Barbara tonight, along with any upcoming astronomy events like meteor showers, comets or eclipses. This presentation includes live Q&A with the presenter.
Weekends in Fall
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The Night Sky for Little Dippers – 11:00 AM
(recommended for families with young children; 15 minutes)This 15-minute presentation is targeted at young audiences with different topics at every show. Come back again and again with your little one to build up their enthusiasm and excitement for space!
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Totality! – 12:00 PM
(recommended for ages 5 and up; 40 minutes)Get ready for the annular eclipse on October 14, and the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024—both of which will be visible from North America! A total solar eclipse is a rare and beautiful phenomenon. In this show you will learn how solar eclipses happen and how to safely view one. You’ll need eclipse glasses to view the real thing; ask about our special offers at Admissions and the Museum Store, while supplies last.
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Exploring the Autumn Sky – 1:00 PM
(recommended for ages 5 and up; 40 minutes)Join us for a tour of tonight’s sky. We’ll learn about the constellations and planets visible in Santa Barbara tonight, along with any upcoming astronomy events like meteor showers, comets or eclipses. This presentation includes live Q&A with the presenter.
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Nacimiento del Planeta Tierra – 2:00 PM
(se recomienda para edades de 8 años y arriba; 40 minutos)Los científicos ahora creen que nuestra galaxia está llena de muchos sistemas solares, incluyendo hasta mil millones de planetas aproximadamente del tamaño de la Tierra. Esta película emplea visualizaciones avanzadas, basadas en datos y de calidad cinematográfica, para explorar algunas de las preguntas más importantes de la ciencia: ¿Cómo se convirtió la Tierra en un planeta vivo tras el nacimiento violento de nuestro sistema solar? ¿Qué nos dice su historia sobre nuestras posibilidades de encontrar otros mundos que sean verdaderamente parecidos a la Tierra?
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Birth of Planet Earth – 3:00 PM
(recommended for ages 8 and up; 40 minutes)Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to a billion planets roughly the size of our own. This film employs advanced, data-driven, cinematic-quality visualizations to explore some of the greatest questions in science today: How did Earth become a living planet in the wake of our solar system’s violent birth? What does its history tell us about our chances of finding other worlds that are truly Earth-like?
