UCLA Division of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Planetarium and
Telescope Shows

Planetarium Show

A visit to the UCLA Planetarium has three parts: a special topic presentation, a current night-sky show, and (weather permitting) a telescope viewing.

The special topic presentation lasts about 30 minutes, with a slide or video presentation about a specific area of astronomy, and is shown in the planetarium immediately preceding the night-sky show. Special topic presentations are designed to be interesting and meaningful for anyone who comes to our planetarium. A different topic is offered at each week’s public show.

The content of the night-sky show will vary by presenter, but will generally cover the currently visible stars, constellations, planets, and other astronomical phenomena. The night-sky show lasts about 30 minutes and is suitable for all ages.

On clear nights, we offer telescope viewings after our public planetarium shows. UCLA undergraduate astronomers will point you towards some of the fascinating objects we can see from Los Angeles, such as planets, binary stars, nebulae, globular clusters, and more! Telescope viewings are weather and schedule permitting. Telescope viewings are not offered during the summer.