OCC Planetarium Public Shows Calendar
Saturday, November 23
NEW! We Are Aliens
1:00
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: 8 and up
Earth, Moon & Sun
2:00
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
3:00
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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Skywatchers LIVE!
4:00
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.**
Skylark Speaker Series
AJ Juarez - December 6
Imposters Among the Northern Lights: Using Emission Spectra to Identify Enhanced Aurora
The aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, is one of the most striking natural displays and has dazzled and inspired humans since ancient times. Recently, several ‘aurora-like forms’ have been discovered with spectrums that are very different from what is expected, suggesting alternative ways to create light. Among these is a phenomenon known as Enhanced Aurora. To further our understanding of these enigmatic features, we need to be able to accurately identify them in spectral data. This presentation will explore how AJ, as a first-time student researcher, developed an algorithm to successfully identify Enhanced Aurora. AJ will also share their experience working with UC Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory, including the challenges of research and navigating the world of physics as an undergraduate.
AJ Juarez is a physics and astronomy student at Orange Coast College. Since March 2023, AJ has been educating the public by leading K-12 astronomy field trips and presenting science-based shows at the OCC Planetarium. This has solidified their devotion to serving and educating the community, especially groups that are underrepresented in STEM. In August 2024, they completed their work studying Enhanced Aurora with UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory through the Advancing Space Sciences through Undergraduate Research Experience (ASSURE) program. AJ plans on transferring to a four-year university for a BS in Physics, with the eventual goal of earning a PhD and becoming an astrophysics professor.
LAZERDOME
Saturday, November 16
Metallica
Experience one of the Planetarium’s most thrilling laser shows in this heavy metal hit, Laser Metallica.
Tuesday, November 19
Mousical Movie Magic
Laser Movie Magic brings favorite songs from popular family films and reimagines them using vibrant laser light. Experience favorite hits in an entirely new way. Laser Movie Magic pulls from the soundtracks of The Lion King, Star Wars, Encanto, Frozen, Moana and many more.
Wednesday, November 20
Led Zeppelin
Relive the magical sounds of Led Zeppelin while enjoying an immersive visual treat of custom laser imagery!
Tuesday, November 26
Elton John: Rocket Man
Elton John has sold over 300 million records over 6 decades in show business, making him one of the biggest selling artists of all time. Laser Elton John celebrates his larger than life persona, bringing the Rocket Man’s powerful music to life in gorgeous laser light. Featuring Benny and the Jets, Saturday Night, Rocket Man, and many other Elton John hits.
Wednesday, November 27
Pink Floyd's The Wall
Coupled with spectacular laser art and immersive effects, Pink Floyd's classic 1979 epic is sure to dazzle!
Mesmerica
Mesmerica is a visual music journey that brings the mesmerizing music of Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood together with visually-hypnotic, 3D animated art curated from artists around the world, creating an immersive experience designed to transcend time, relax, soothe, and stimulate your mind and senses...
Please direct all questions and customer service inquiries to the Mesmerica Box Office Team. They can be contacted via boxoffice@mesmerica.com. Their Customer Service Team aims to reply within 24 hours.
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!