Astronomy Programs
Check out the wide array of offerings from our Education Division’s Astronomy Programs.
New Space Sciences Exhibit in the Works
Planning a visit to our Space Sciences exhibit? This area is temporarily closed due to construction. Thank you for your patience while we repair our aging infrastructure. You can help us launch the next generation of space scientists by supporting the exhibit updates.
Meanwhile, astronomy is still going strong at the Museum. Take in daily planetarium shows or join us at the observatory for scheduled solar viewings. Explore our calendar for free Star Parties and astronomy talks every month!
Gladwin Planetarium
Inside our theater, the stars are always out. Our expert 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. Check out our schedule of planetarium shows as you plan your visit.
Palmer Observatory
The round white building near the Museum Backyard is an observatory equipped with an excellent telescope. The Palmer Observatory opens for special events and programming. It’s the centerpiece of all our Star Parties, and an exciting bonus to daytime visits if staff or volunteers are available to offer safe views of the Sun.
Star Parties
On the second Saturday of each month from dusk to 10:00 PM, the Museum hosts a free Star Party organized with the local astronomy club, the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit. Come learn about the night sky with us! Check for Star Party details on our calendar.
Astronomy School Programs
Our school field trip programs at the Museum include a demonstration of the powerful telescopes in our observatory, while meeting Next Generation Science Standards. Check out the menu of field trip programs here.
Is this a meteorite?
We love to share a meteorite guessing game and pass around some meteorites as our astronomy events! Unfortunately, our staff don’t have time to evaluate all the “meteowrongs” that are brought to us. If you think you have a meteorite, you can learn more from meteorite experts. Run your specimen through the flowchart of tests on this page created by meteorite experts to determine if you should contact those experts.
April 8, 2024 Eclipse Tips
We're hosting another Eclipse Viewing Party in Goleta with the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit. Hope to see you there!
Meanwhile, guests who happen to be here at the Museum on the day of the eclipse can watch with us at the Palmer Observatory (please note that Space Sciences and the Gladwin Planetarium will be closed due to construction). Join our astronomers for safe solar viewing and fun astronomy activities for the whole family.
Past SBMNH Astronomy Programs Manager John Winckowski and NASA Solar System Ambassador Krissie Cook have tips for enjoying this cosmic event. Helpful links below.
NASA Solar System Ambassador Krissie Cook and past SBMNH Astronomy Programs Manager John Winckowski have tips for making the most of this cosmic event in the classroom, including the special shadows thrown by household and natural objects, plus different styles of viewers and activity ideas. Helpful links below.
Handy Eclipse Links
NASA 2024 Eclipse Explorer - visit for livestream
NASA Minute Eclipse Videos - full of fun facts!
NASA Eyes on the Solar System - interactive model of the eclipse
American Astronomical Society's solar eclipse safety page
Teacher Resources
NASA JPL activity modeling a solar eclipse
NASA general educator resources
NASA JPL Planetary Poetry
Exploratorium eclipse stories from around the world
NASA JPL How to make a pinhole viewer
NASA JPL How to make a pinhole viewer, featuring a cute kid!
Astronomy.com How to make a pinhole viewer with a bigger box
American Astronomical Society's pinhole projection page
James Webb Space Telescope
Three experts at the Museum explain what you're looking at in the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope.
