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.Members enjoy monthly shows on special topics after hours. The planetarium is not ADA accessible; visit our accessibility page for more information. 

Planetarium tickets are free with admission (and admission is free for Members). Tickets are available at the planetarium 20 minutes before the showtime. We recommend coming early to ensure a ticket, and seating is first come, first served. No late entry is granted.

On July 12, we're opening a new Space Sciences exhibit: Our Cosmic Coast. Planetarium showtimes may vary or be canceled as we construct this exhibit. Thank you for understanding.

Summer Schedule: June 1–Sept. 1

Weekdays  

  • 11:00 AM – The Night Sky for Little Dippers
    (recommended for all ages; 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!

  • 12:00 PM – The Birth of Planet Earth
    (recommended for ages 5 and up; 30 minutes)

    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? Birth of Planet Earth tells the twisted tale of our planet’s origins.

  • 3:00 PM – Exploring Summer Skies
    (recommended for ages 5 and up; 30 minutes)

    Join us for a tour of tonight’s sky. We’ll learn about the constellations and planets visible in Santa Barbara in summer, along with any upcoming astronomy events like meteor showers, comets or eclipses. This presentation includes live Q&A with the presenter.

Weekends 

  • 11:00 AM – The Night Sky for Little Dippers
    (recommended for all ages; 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!

  • 12:00 PM – Discovering Moons: Earth's and Beyond
    (recommended for ages 5 and up; 30 minutes)

    Have you ever wondered what makes a moon a moon? In this live presentation, we’ll explore how Earth’s Moon was formed, why it still orbits our planet, and how it compares to other moons across the solar system. This presentation includes a live Q&A with the presenter.

  • 2:00 PM – El Nacimiento del Planeta Tierra
    (se recomienda para edades de 5 años y arriba; 30 minutos)

    ¿Cómo se convirtió la Tierra en un planeta vivo tras del nacimiento violento de nuestro sistema solar? ¿Qué nos dice su historia sobre nuestras posibilidades de encontrar otros mundos que sean verdaderamente como la Tierra? El Nacimiento del Planeta Tierra cuenta la historia de los orígenes de nuestro planeta.

  • 3:00 PM – Exploring Summer Skies
    (recommended for ages 5 and up; 30 minutes)

    Join us for a tour of tonight’s sky. We’ll learn about the constellations and planets visible in Santa Barbara in summer, along with any upcoming astronomy events like meteor showers, comets or eclipses. This presentation includes live Q&A with the presenter.

More Exhibitions