OCC Planetarium Public Shows Calendar
Tuesday, July 21
Earth, Moon & Sun
3:00 pm
Earth, Moon & Sun is a fun and exciting full dome exploration of a huge range of heavenly phenomena. Lunar phases, eclipses, day and night, the sun and seasons are all explained with the help of a very confused and troublesome coyote, straight from Native American folklore. Through correcting Coyote's many misunderstandings, we can begin to unfold what's really going on in the sky.
Recommended ages: 6-12
Dynamic Earth
4:00 pm
Dynamic Earth explores the inner workings of Earth’s great life support system: the global climate. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere.
Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
Recommended ages: 10 and up
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Big Astronomy
5:00 pm
Discover Chile’s grand observatories and meet the people who push the limits of technology and expand what we know about the Universe using world-class telescopes.
Big Astronomy shares the story of the people and places who make big astronomy and big science happen. The planetarium show transports viewers to Chile where the dark skies and dry, remote setting create ideal conditions to observe the Universe. By 2022, it is expected that most of the world’s ground-based observing infrastructure will be located in Chile, and the US and other countries are investing billions of dollars in furthering astronomy partnerships in the country. Big Astronomy introduces audiences to a wide variety of people involved in advancing astronomical discovery.
Recommended ages: 10 and up
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Led Zeppelin - LAZERDOME
6:00 pm
Relive the magical sounds of Led Zeppelin while enjoying an immersive visual treat of custom laser imagery!
Get TicketsWednesday, July 22
We Are Aliens
3:00 pm
Are we alone in the universe? It's one of the oldest questions in astronomy, whether there is life elsewhere in the universe. In this presentation, join narrator Rupert Grint on an exploration of the possibility of life in our solar system and beyond. Learn how what we're discovering about life on our own planet is changing our perceptions regarding the search for life in the universe. From robotic explorers of the Red Planet to the realization that our galaxy is home to potentially millions of Earth-like worlds, this planetarium show will inspire and educate.
Recommended ages: 6 and up
To Worlds Beyond
4:00 pm
Eight other worlds share our solar system, each one stranger and more interesting than the last. Travel from the surface of the sun all the way to the icy realm of comets. Volcanos the size of France, storms bigger than the Earth, and clouds that rain acid are just some of the incredible things to discover on worlds both big and small as you make your journey through the Solar System.
Recommended ages: 8 and up
5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI
5:00 pm
The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is creating the most detailed map of our nearby universe. Installed on the Mayall telescope on Kitt Peak in Southern Arizona, DESI's 5000 independently operated robots can measure the light from thousands of galaxies at once. Join us as we explore the science, instruments, and people behind this global endeavor.
Recommended ages: 12 and up
Taylor Swift: Party Playlist - LAZERDOME
6:00 pm
Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. With over 200 million records sold, a shelf full of Grammys, and an army of fans, Taylor Swift is an inspiration for generations. Laser Taylor Swift takes her biggest hits and brings them to life in dazzling laser light. If you can’t score tickets to her concert, Laser Taylor Swift is the next best thing.
Get TicketsParking Fee
Parking is available on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Passport Parking (recommended "OCC Lot E" in Google Maps). Parking permits are digital and are linked to your vehicle's license plate. Payment can be made using the Passport Parking mobile app or website.
Parking Rates
- Standard rate: $5.35 per day
- July 17 – August 16 (during the OC Fair): $10.35 per day
Please park only in designated student parking areas. Vehicles parked in faculty/staff spaces or other restricted areas may be cited.
Public Star Shows!
Public programs are a cornerstone of the Planetarium's mission. Regular showings are offered on weekends so anyone can come enjoy a rotating schedule of breathtaking full-dome experiences.
For all public shows, please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled show begins. There will be no late admittance due to safety concerns.
We advise against bringing children younger than 5 years old to planetarium programs. The planetarium theater gets very dark and the visuals can be alarming to young children. However, bringing young children for One World, One Sky Big Bird's Adventure is strongly encouraged!
All programs are approximately 45 minutes long.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
**The Planetarium adheres to a strict No Late Admittance policy. Once the doors have closed, the show is underway and must not be interrupted due to safety concerns.**
Aquarium Tote Bag Painting Workshop - Saturday, May 30
Join us for a fun and creative afternoon at the Aquarium! Guests of all ages are invited to design and paint their own custom tote bag to take home while learning about the fascinating marine life found in our local waters and inside the aquarium.
This hands-on activity is perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves art and ocean life. Aquarium staff and students will share fun facts about our animals and marine ecosystems throughout each session.
Event Date: Saturday, May 30
Session Times: 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM
Capacity: Limited to 16 participants per session
Important Ticket Information:
Each ticket is valid only for the specific session selected at purchase. Sessions are not interchangeable, and guests must attend the time slot listed on their ticket due to limited seating capacity.
All materials are included. Participants will leave with their own hand-painted tote bag to take home! And don't forget to check out one of our Planetarium shows while you wait for your tote bag to dry!
Beautifica
Beautifica is a 360 journey through worlds real and imagined, from mindblowing particle fields to unashamedly euphoric fantastic environments almost impossible to describe.
The brainchild of visionary composer James Hood working with some of the finest immersive animators on the planet, this family-friendly show is a feast for the senses, which will leave your spirit refreshed and your face grinning ear to ear.
Gift Certificates
Whether it's for an astronomy enthusiast, a curious mind, or someone eager to explore the mysteries of the cosmos, our gift certificates are a stellar choice. Grab yours now and let the journey into the stars begin!