Planetarium Schedule

• Programs will be run once a month and will begin at 7:30 pm, unless otherwise noted.  Each program will consist of a 45 minute in the planetarium, followed by stargazing and telescope viewing when weather permits. 

• The cost of all programs is $11 per child and $13 per adult.  While tickets are available at the door, please register at www.northpenncep.org to ensure your seat, as the planetarium only holds 57 people and shows will sell out online.  You can also call the Community Education Office at 215-853-1029.

• Gold Card Members may participate in one Planetarium Program at the discounted rate IF they want to use a Planetarium Program for their Gold Card Discounted Class for the term by:

  • 1) Register for the planetarium program by visiting the Community Education Program office or mailing a registration form found in the Fall Brochure 

  • 2) Mail or bring the completed form to the:

Community Education Program Office

North Penn School District

401 E. Hancock Street

Lansdale, PA

Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4 pm

No office hours on Saturday and Sunday

• September 22, 2026:  Wonders of the Night Sky:  Why can I see a square and a triangle in the sky?  What is that fuzzy thing over there in the sky?  What secrets does the night sky hold?  Let’s find out together in the Live Interactive Planetarium Program that will highlight the major celestial objects that can be seen at this time of year, including planets, constellations and deep sky objects.  (Telescope viewing and stargazing follows, weather permitting)

• October 19, 2025: Mexica Archaeoastronomy: Between Space and Time:  With vivid and captivating immersive scenery, this dazzling film showcases the significant impact of astronomical observations on the development of pre-Columbian civilizations in central Mexico.  The film brings to life how the Mexicas, the rulers of the Aztec Empire, utilized their inherited astronomical and calendrical knowledge(passed down from prior cultures), to establish the capital of their empire, Tenochtitlan.  The vibrant hues, rich designs and engaging sounds of the film transport the viewer to one of the most culturally rich civilizations, that still holds a place in the heart and identity of the Mexican people today.  (Live Star Talk, telescope viewing and stargazing follows, weather permitting)

• November 16, 2025: Stargazing 101:  “I love the stars and want to learn more about them!”  Have you ever thought about this before?  Well join us in the planetarium for Stargazing 101.  In this live interactive program we will learn the basics for observing the night sky.  Proper use of a star chart, a planisphere, binoculars and telescopes will be covered.   If weather permits much of this class will be held outside, so bring your telescope or binoculars.  The planetarium also has telescopes for your use.

• December 21, 2025: Two Small Pieces of Glass:  While attending a local star party, two teenagers learn how the telescope has helped us understand our place in space and how telescopes continue to expand our understanding of the Universe.  Their conversation with a local female astronomer enlightens them on the history of the telescope and the discoveries these wonderful tools have made.  The students see how telescopes work and how the largest observatories in the world use these instruments to explore the mysteries of the Universe.  (Live StarTalk, telescope viewing and stargazing follows, weather permitting)

•  January 20, 2026: Cosmic Mashups: Supermassive black holes are found in most galaxies and we’re beginning to uncover how the merging of galaxies activates galactic centers.  This engaging film was produced by Fiske Planetarium in collaboration with CU Boulder APS Professor, Dr. Julie Comerford and former graduate student Dr. Becky Nevin through support from a NSF award.  (Live StarTalk, telescope viewing and stargazing follows, weather permitting)

• February 17, 2026: The Solar System: What is really in our Solar System?  How big is it?  Has anything ever left our solar system?  Could we really live on another planet in our solar system?  Join us for a Live Interactive Planetarium program where we answer these questions and more about our neighborhood in space.  (Telescope viewing and stargazing follows, weather permitting)

• March 17, 2026: Mars: The Ultimate Voyage: Ever wondered what it will take for astronauts to travel to Mars and beyond?  On such a long journey, what challenges will astronauts face?  How will they stay motivated and healthy so far from Earth?  This approximate 33 month (1,001 days) adventure of a lifetime will deliver extraordinary challenges: extremely long distance, restricted environments, immense isolation, reduced gravity and dangerous radiation.  What will it take to get astronauts to Mars - and back - safely?  Learn about current NASA research and training initiatives preparing the next generation of astronauts who will head to Mars.  Discover how creativity, collaboration, communication, and expertise in a diverse number of fields are key for the success of deep space travel. (Live Star Talk, telescope viewing and stargazing follows, weather permitting)

• April 14, 2026: 5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI: Travel back in time through some of the largest structures in the Universe.  The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is creating the most detailed map yet of our nearby Universe, using a unique instrument that can measure the spectra of 5,000 galaxies at one, every 10 minutes.  Dive into modern cosmology, plus the scientific background and motivation for building such a large map of the galaxies around us.  Take a trip to Kitt Peak, Arizona to see this astounding new telescope in action; and meet some of the amazing people from around the world making such groundbreaking research possible. (Live StarTalk, telescope viewing and stargazing follows, weather permitting)

• May 19, 2026: Wonders of the Night Sky:  Is that a question mark in the sky?  Why is the sky so dark this time of year?  Let’s find out together in this Live Interactive Planetarium Program that will highlight the major celestial objects that can be seen at this time of year, including planets, constellations and deep sky objects.  (Telescope viewing and stargazing follows, weather permitting)