Gladwin Planetarium
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 quarterly 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. Want to spend more time exploring space in the planetarium? Sign up for our upcoming course on exoplanets and other weird worlds!
Jump to a schedule
Visiting now? Check our spring schedule.
Visiting March 30–April 3? Check our spring break schedule.
Visiting April 4–June 20? Check our spring schedule.
Spring Schedule: March 22–29 and April 4–June 20
Weekdays
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1:30 PM – Exploring Spring 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 spring, along with any upcoming astronomy events like meteor showers, comets, or eclipses. This live presentation includes a Q&A with the presenter.
Weekends
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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!
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12:00 PM – The Life of a Star
(recommended for ages 5 and up; 25 minutes)Discover the brilliance and intricacies of stellar evolution. We’ll visit all your favorite stars and traverse the cosmos for clues on how they live their lives. How much do we really know about our favorite stars? This live presentation includes a Q&A with the presenter.
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2:00 PM – El Nacimiento del Planeta Tierra
Película en español con subtítulos en inglés
Spanish-language movie with English subtitles (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 Spring 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 spring, along with any upcoming astronomy events like meteor showers, comets, or eclipses. This live presentation includes a Q&A with the presenter.
Spring Break Schedule: March 30–April 3
-
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 Life of a Star
(recommended for ages 5 and up; 25 minutes)Discover the brilliance and intricacies of stellar evolution. We’ll visit all your favorite stars and traverse the cosmos for clues on how they live their lives. How much do we really know about our favorite stars? This live presentation includes a Q&A with the presenter.
-
2:00 PM – El Nacimiento del Planeta Tierra
Película en español con subtítulos en inglés
Spanish-language movie with English subtitles (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 Spring 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 spring, along with any upcoming astronomy events like meteor showers, comets, or eclipses. This live presentation includes a Q&A with the presenter.
