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Frequently Asked Questions

And a few infrequently asked questions too.

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Our seating capacity is 35 + 1 wheelchair space; that is the maximum size your group can be. As for the minimum size: you can book a show all to yourself if you’d like. There is no minimum size for groups.

This isn’t allowed because of the Fire Code. Our open floor space needs to be clear to provide the emergency exit route.

Our shows are not pre-recorded, they are given live by one of our presenters. This allows for interaction between the audience and the presenter and also for the content and level of the show to be tailored to each specific audience. Every show is one of a kind.

Yes, we have a presenter leading the show. All of our presenters are pursuing graduate studies in astronomy, and are more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

Our shows focus astronomical objects currently visible in the night sky and objects that are too faint to be seen with the unaided eye. Alas, very little time is devoted to the popular music of recent decades (unless it’s a themed show on music!)

No. Observatories are able to open to the sky and designed to study astronomical objects and events. These are often located in areas away from cities to minimize light contamination. Our planetarium shows images of the stars, planets, the Moon and other objects in the sky. (Our location in the basement of the Burke Science Building also makes opening our dome impossible!)

It has been our experience that children younger than six don’t really appreciate a planetarium show geared towards older children or adults. Given the length of the show they can become bored and restless, distracting other audience members. To be fair to other patrons, the presenter will ask children to leave if they become too noisy. The acoustics of the dome make even small noises seem very loud.

You do not have to pay for babies under two in arms. However, if the baby becomes too noisy, the presenter will ask you to leave to be fair to others in the audience.

During a public show, you will not be allowed to re-enter if you leave the dome. To do so is dangerous because the stairs and dome are dark during the show. We regret we accept no responsibility for a patron having to leave, whatever the reason. We provide no refund, no re-entry and no transfer to another show.

In advance, online (tickets may be available via cash payment only, but this cannot be guaranteed).  Admission is $10/person. More details can be found on the Schedule and Booking Info pages.