Public Programs

Current & Upcoming Shows

March 2nd - April 28th
Friday: 7.30pm	“Oasis in Space”	Water: without it life could not exist on our planet, but is the reverse also true, if we search for water will we also find life? Come along on an exploration of our solar system and discover what makes our world stand out among all the planets that orbit our Sun. Stunning imagery takes you to, and sometimes even below, the surfaces of our neighboring planets to discover if life might be possible beyond planet Earth.
Saturday: 1pm	“The Zula Patrol: Under the Weather”	The Zula Patrol joins us from the bright orange planet of Zula found at the furthest reaches of outer space and takes us on an adverture to learn all about terrestrial and interplanetary weather while battling the evil villain Dark Truder.

Admissions

• ADULTS $7, CONCESSIONS $5
  
  
  • Concessions include: children ages 4 - 12 (children under age of 4 are free), senior citizens, University of Toledo students, faculty and staff.
  • We do not take reservations for the weekly public shows; all 96 seats are filled on a first come basis so come along early to guarantee a seat. Doors open 30 minutes before the show, during which time you can explore the displays in the lobby or try to answer our fun quiz projected inside the dome.

What to expect

• A guided tour of the sky using our powerful projector, a spectacular feature presentation, a question-and-answer session with one of our experts, and if the weather is suitable, observing either the night sky or the sun.

More Details

• FRIDAY NIGHT SHOWS
  
  
  • Looking for a fun and different way to spend a Friday evening? Bring the family, your friends, or a date along to be dazzled by one of our many full-dome digital shows. Although we keep Friday nights more directed to adult audiences the younger family members will still love what they see. Each program will start with one of our experts taking you on a guided tour of the sky as seen from Toledo, highlighting constellations and planets that you can with your naked eye on that very night. Then settle down for the feature presentation that will immerse you in the sights and sounds of the Universe.
  • But don't move yet, the night is not over after the program is finished. There will be time to ask questions of our experts and after all your questions are answered you are welcome to join us to view the stars through the telescope in the Brooks Observatory. Escort us to the roof of the McMaster Hall where you will have the opportunity to stare at the nights sky, weather permitting of course!
  • For an extra special treat, come along to the first Friday night showing of each month, when the observing will take place in the Ritter Observatory instead of the Brooks Observatory. It is in the Ritter Observatory that you will find the University of Toledo's 1 meter telescope that is used by the professional astronomer's here at the university to carry out research. Again, this only happens if the weather cooperates! 
• SATURDAY AFTERNOON SHOWS
  
  
  • Saturdays are all about our littlest family members. We gear the whole experience for younger children, showing feature presentations that they will love but will also learn about the Universe around them with the help of well loved cartoon characters and age appropriate narrations. 
  • Just like on a Friday, after the feature program our experts will answer your questions with explanations that all of us can grasp. Then, should the weather be clear, you are welcome to join us outside the planetarium to safely observe the Sun using a special telescope. With it you will be able to experience a close up view of the Sun and perhaps count some sunspots.