Gladwin Planetarium

Ongoing

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

March Schedule

Weekdays  

Please note that the Museum is closed Tuesdays. Weekday shows are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

  • Totality! – 2:00 PM
    (recommended for ages 5 and up; 40 minutes)

    Get ready for the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024! A total solar eclipse is a rare and beautiful phenomenon. Learn how solar eclipses happen and how to safely view one. Find eclipse glasses in the Museum Store, while supplies last.

  • Exploring the Spring Sky – 3:00 PM
    (recommended for ages 7 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 

  • 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!

  • Totality! – 12:00 PM
    (recommended for ages 5 and up; 40 minutes)

    Get ready for the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024! A total solar eclipse is a rare and beautiful phenomenon. Learn how solar eclipses happen and how to safely view one. Find eclipse glasses in the Museum Store, while supplies last.

  • Incoming! – 1:00 PM
    (recommended for all ages; 30 minutes)

    Embark on a journey back in time and across the solar system, narrated by George Takei. Follow the paths of asteroids and comets that have collided with Earth—and those that roam far from home.

  • 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?

  • Exploring the Spring Sky – 3:00 PM
    (recommended for ages 7 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.