Planetarium Shows
SHOW TIMES June 1-30, 2013
- Tuesdays at 3:30 pm | Lifestyles of the Stars
- Wednesdays at 3:30 pm | Ring World
- Thursdays at 3:30 pm | Lifestyles of the Stars
- Fridays at 3:30 pm | Ring World
- Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 pm | Lifestyles of the Stars
- Saturdays & Sundays at 3:30 pm | Ring World
SHOW TIMES July 1 - August 2, 2013
- Tuesdays at 3:30 pm | Lifestyles of the Stars
- Wednesdays at 3:30 pm | Bad Astronomy
- Thursdays at 3:30 pm | Lifestyles of the Stars
- Fridays at 3:30 pm | Bad Astronomy
- Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 pm | Lifestyles of the Stars
- Saturdays & Sundays at 3:30 pm | Bad Astronomy
SHOW TIMES August 3 - September 1, 2013
- Tuesdays at 3:30 pm | Larry Cat in Space
- Wednesdays at 3:30 pm | The Planets
- Thursdays at 3:30 pm | Larry Cat in Space
- Fridays at 3:30 pm | The Planets
- Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 pm | Larry Cat in Space
- Saturdays & Sundays at 3:30 pm | The Planets
Feature Shows
(grade 5 & above)
For visitors who have an established interest in astronomy and space, the Barlow Planetarium presents feature shows on astronomy and space topics.
Ring World
June 1-30, 2013
The planet Saturn has long fascinated all those who have looked through a telescope to see its beautiful rings. But telescopes just are not good enough! The NASA/ESA Cassini-Huygens space probe has arrived at Saturn and is conducting experiments and collecting data as you read this. Learn about the capabilities of the Cassini-Huygens probe and be updated with the latest images and data. This exciting NASA-produced adventure is narrated by John Billingsley of Star Trek - Enterprise! Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.
July 3 - August 2, 2013
Based on the popular book and website of the same name, Bad Astronomy offers a unique and fun approach to learning about the cosmos. Join the Bad Astronomer Phil Plait as he takes a critical look at popular myths and misconceptions to show audiences how science can be used to evaluate questionable claims. Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.
August 3 - September 1, 2013
Take a tour of our own planetary neighborhood that includes the latest and most up-to-date information about the Solar System. Narrated by Kate Mulgrew, Captain Janeway of Star Trek: Voyager, The Planets explores the formation of the solar system, visits each of Earth’s sister planets to uncover the varied worlds that circle the Sun. Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.
COMING SOON - FEATURE SHOWS - TO BE ANNOUNCED
Family Shows
(grade 4 & below)
For the visitors that are young and young-at-heart that are looking for a light, fun and educational astronomy experience, the Barlow Planetarium presents family shows on astronomy.
June 1 - August 1, 2013
Grab your tour map and climb aboard our AstroTours bus driven by Tachyon - a slightly wacky tour guide - who really knows his stellar evolution! Visit nebulae to see star formation. See stars of all different colors - red dwarf, blue/white giant, red supergiant, yellow - and discover what the colors mean. End your tour with a visit to an average looking yellow star that had unnatural radio signals coming from its third planet - could it be intelligent life? Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.
August 3 - September 1, 2013
Grab your tour map and climb aboard our AstroTours bus driven by Tachyon - a slightly wacky tour guide - who really knows his stellar evolution! Visit nebulae to see star formation. See stars of all different colors - red dwarf, blue/white giant, red supergiant, yellow - and discover what the colors mean. End your tour with a visit to an average looking yellow star that had unnatural radio signals coming from its third planet - could it be intelligent life? Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.
COMING SOON - FAMILY SHOWS - TO BE ANNOUNCED
Family Laser Shows
(all ages)
For the visitors that are young and young-at-heart that are looking for a light, fun and educational music laser experience, the Barlow Planetarium presents family laser shows.
FAMILY LASER SHOWS WILL RETURN ON OCTOBER 19, 2013!
THANKS FOR A GREAT FAMILY LASER SHOW SEASON!
Current Events Star Show
In conjunction with Barlow Planetarium Family Astronomy Night!
Wisconsin Skies
Get a rundown of the past month’s astronomy, space and science events in Wisconsin Skies. Each month Barlow astronomers comb the news, surf the internet, and monitor the message boards to find the most intriguing astronomy and space information available – sometimes some of the information was released only hours before our program! Expect to hear about the latest developments in Earth observing, spaceflight, solar system and deep space. Wisconsin Skies concludes with a longer, expanded and more in-depth tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.
Barlow Planetarium Family Astronomy Night
Planetariums offered the very first form of virtual reality. However, to get the full astronomy experience, everyone should spend time under and observing the real sky as well. Barlow Family Astronomy Night offers such an experience. Each month on the Saturday evening on or after the First Quarter Moon, the Barlow offers the current family show at 6:00 pm, current feature show at 7:00 pm, and a special current events Wisconsin Skies show at 8:00 pm.
After each show, weather permitting, Barlow astronomers (laser pointers at the ready) and telescopes are available for showing you the real nighttime sky. Expect to see Moon, planets (when available), constellations, star clusters and nebulae. Telescope viewing is free with admission to any the Barlow shows.
Program time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Telescope Viewing: 7:00 - 9:00 pm (weather permitting)
PLEASE NOTE FOR BARLOW FAMILY ASTRONOMY NIGHT
- SINCE ALL SHOWS ARE NOT AGE APPROPRIATE FOR ALL VISITORS, EACH OF THE SHOWS IS PRICED INDIVIDUALLY.
- FOR VISITORS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN SEEING ALL THE SHOWS THERE ARE MULTIPLE SHOW DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE.
- June 22, 2013 (sunset: 8:41 pm)
- July 20, 2013 (sunset: 8:31 pm)
- August 17, 2013 (sunset: 7:55 pm)
- September 14, 2013 (sunset: 7:06 pm)
- October 12, 2013 (sunset: 6:14 pm)
- November 9, 2013 (sunset: 4:33 pm)
- December 14, 2013 (sunset: 4:15 pm)



