OCC Planetarium Public Shows Calendar
Saturday, May 30
Birth of Planet Earth
1:00 pm
Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to a billion planets roughly the size of our own. The 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?
Recommended ages: 8 and up
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One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
2:00 pm
Explore the night sky with your favorite friends from Sesame Street in Big Bird's Adventure: One World, One Sky. Follow along with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, as they take you on a journey of discovery to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun, and the Moon.
Recommended ages: 3-6
Habitat Earth
3:00 pm
Join us for a fully narrated pre-show, where we dive deep into the mysteries of our solar system. Is water truly the source of life beyond Earth? Embark on a thrilling exploration of the moons and planets that may harbor life, from the icy depths of Europa to the geysers of Enceladus. Discover how these distant worlds might support life and ignite your imagination about the possibilities that lie beyond our own planet.
Then plunge below the ocean’s surface to explore the dynamic relationships found in deep ocean ecosystems; dig beneath the forest floor to see how Earth’s tallest trees rely on tiny fungi to survive; and soar to new heights to witness the intricate intersection between human and ecological networks in Habitat Earth.
Recommended ages: 8 and up
Skywatchers LIVE!
4:00 pm
Join one of our planetarium experts on a live guided tour of the stories, sights, and other wonders in the night sky. The constellations, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies found overhead have been part of human consciousness for millennia, and today we have the knowledge and technology to explore all of them in great detail.
Stick around after the show for a live Q&A with our presenter! This show is updated almost weekly!
Recommended Ages: 10 and up
Get TicketsParking Fee
Parking on-campus is $5 for the day, 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. The fee can only be paid through the Passport Parking phone app or website and the parking permit is linked to your car's license plate number. We highly recommend parking in Lot E off of Merrimac Way (Google Maps "OCC Lot E").
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!