UCLA Division of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Planetarium and
Telescope Shows

Attendance to any of our in-person shows requires medical-grade masks (well-fitting surgical, KN95, KF94, or KN95 masks) to be worn inside the planetarium.

*Planetarium shows are free, and tickets are not required for entry. However, for special shows we allow the option to reserve (free) tickets beforehand. See even description for details.

Wednesday Evening Public Shows

Public planetarium shows are free and suitable for all ages, and are given by current astronomy graduate students. Content varies with presenters, but commonly includes discussion about the current night sky, constellations, astronomical phenomena, and more!

The UCLA Planetarium wants to ensure that our events and programs are accessible. Please email planet@astro.ucla.edu as soon as possible if any accommodations are needed to support your full engagement in our programs.

Upcoming In Person Shows

Date Time Special Topic
June 7, 2023 8:00 PM Dark Energy and Dark Matter

June 14, 2023 8:00 PM Exoplanets

Previous Virtual Shows

Date Time Special Topic Link
January 27, 2021 7:00 PM Our Galaxy's Core and the 2020 Nobel Prize Click here to watch the show!
February 17, 2021 7:00 PM How to Image an Exoplanet Click here to watch the show!
March 17, 2021 7:00 PM Spanish Language Show Click here to watch the show!
March 31, 2021 7:00 PM Celebrating Women's History Month - Women Astronomers & Their Discoveries Click here to watch the show!
October 20, 2021 7:00 PM Getting Excited for the James Webb Space Telescope with Dr. Tiffany Kataria (NASA JPL) Click here to watch the show!
October 27, 2021 7:00 PM Super-Earths Click here to watch the show!
November 3, 2021 7:00 PM How Planetary Systems are Formed Click here to watch the show!
January 19, 2022 7:00 PM The Spectrum of Light: How We Use Colors to Understand the Universe Click here to watch the show!
January 24, 2022 1:00 PM New Exoplanet Science with JWST Click here to watch the show!
February 2, 2022 7:00 PM Special Show: Black History Month Click here to watch the show!
Februay 9, 2022 7:00 PM The Smallest Thing in the Universe Click here to watch the show!
February 23, 2022 7:00 PM Neutrinos Click here to watch the show!
February 28, 2022 7:00 PM Our Picture of the Universe: Contributions from LA’s Black Astronomers Click here to watch the show!
March 2, 2022 7:00 PM Women Astronomers and their Discoveries Click here to watch the show!
March 16, 2022 7:00 PM Special Show: Women's History Month Click here to watch the show!

Public shows are hosted every Wednesday when UCLA is in sesstion during the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. See the UCLA academic calendar for details about the UCLA schedule.

Planetarium Shows

  • Public planetarium shows start at 8 pm during Daylight Savings Time (7 pm otherwise) on Wednesday evenings (except holidays and final exam weeks)
    • Planetarium shows typically last about 60 minutes, with a special topic show and star show lasting about 30 minutes each
  • The planetarium is located on the 8th floor of the UCLA Mathematical Sciences Building (Directions)

No late arrivals! We cannot admit guests after show has started. Please arrive on time.

Telescope Viewing

On clear nights, visitors are invited to look through one of the department telescopes after the planetarium show. We view a variety of celestial objects, including planets, nebulae, and star clusters (depending on what objects are currently visible in the night sky).

  • Telescope viewing follows planetarium show
  • Located on the 9th floor roof of the UCLA Mathematical Sciences Building
  • Telescope viewings are offered weather and schedule permitting
  • Telescope viewings are not offered during the summer

Private Shows

We are open for private shows starting in Spring 2022! See contact info to get in touch about scheduling a private show.