The complete planetarium package from Spitz, Inc. includes a 30-foot diameter Premium Seam dome, fulldome projection system with real time Starry Night^TM Dome software, ATM-4 automation system with portable Nomad controller, fully programmable LEDCove lighting, sound system, auxiliary video system, laser display system, seats and shows. The new planetarium seats 56 visitors and offers a wide selection of day and evening programming.

The SciDome projection system allows playback of compelling, pre-rendered fulldome video programs, as well as live and recorded sky tours, as well as exciting laser light concert shows. The entire known universe is accessible to explore using the new planetarium.

Planetarium Shows
Planetarium Shows are presented in the Museum's Cummins Planetarium, North Carolina's first digital space theater. Planetarium admission is $3.50 per person in addition to Museum admission.

Planetarium Shows from November 1, 2008 through January 11, 2009 include the following:

Microcosm
Shrink to the size of a microbe for a fantastic voyage into the human body. Our patient suffers from a mysterious illness. The mission is to piece together clues, as we make our way from the base of the optic nerve to the interior of the human heart, in a race to save a life. This microscopic roller coaster ride features genetic weapons, laser battles, and surprises at every turn.

Season of Light
The coldest and darkest season is the time of year for many of the world's warmest and brightest holiday traditions. Learn your way around the winter night sky while discovering the history and astronomy behind the many celebrations taking place during the time of winter solstice.

Seasonal Stargazing
Public Planetarium shows include a short guided tour of the current evening sky that changes with each season. Learn more about what's up there in just a few minutes than many people do in a lifetime! Star hop from one constellation to another as you learn the names of bright stars in this full dome experience included with your planetarium admission.

Laser Light Shows
Musical laser shows in the Cummins Planetarium feature a variety of artists and musical styles interpreted through the vibrant color and dazzling imagery of 3D laser graphics. Admission is $3.50 per person in addition to Museum admission.

Laser Light Concerts from November 1, 2008 through January 11, 2009 include the following:

Laser Holiday
Vibrant colors, dazzling 3D laser graphics and charming animations bring new life to your favorite holiday tunes. Celebrate the sights and sounds of the holiday season with your whole family with our traditional holiday laser extravaganza.

Stars of the Pharaohs
Begins February 3, 2009
Travel to ancient Egypt to see how science was used to tell time, make a workable calendar, and align huge buildings. You'll learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phenomena. And thanks to the time Digital Theater's production team spent on location in Egypt taking photographs and measurements, you'll see some of the most spectacular temples and tombs of the ancient world recreated in their original splendor.

Join other stargazers for a fascinating and educational look at the skies. TRAC meetings are held at the Children's Museum & Science Center the first Thursday of every month at 7:00pm.