Henry B. duPont III Planetarium
Digital and Live Full-Dome Planetarium Shows
Our digital full-dome theater features a seamless 33-foot diameter dome and a dual-projector 4k laser projection system. Digistar 2025 by Evans & Sutherland transforms our planetarium into a virtual starship, creating real-time visualizations that transport our audience to other planets, star systems, and beyond. Our planetarium also screens pre-recorded shows on a variety of topics including spaceflight, aviation, biology, and history.
We have an audience capacity of 65 seats for regular shows, with the ability to expand to 85 seats for special events. All seats are removable for easy accessibility.
Admission to public shows requires a media pass, which can be purchased at the front desk. One media pass grants admission to all planetarium shows and special presentations for the day.
The planetarium is also available for private bookings and events, including school trips, scout groups, birthday parties, corporate events, and weddings. Contact us for more info.
Have questions about astronomy and space science? Ask an astronomer and check out our social media to see if your question has been answered!
The Henry B. duPont III Planetarium is brought to you by the Nor’easter Foundation.
What's playing this month?
Interested in a specific show? To see all available show times, head to our Hours & Showtimes page.
Digital Fulldome Shows
Interested in an easy trip to learn about our planet and beyond? Our collection of 360 degree films will transport you around the globe and throughout space on journeys that are both fun and educational!
Ice Worlds
Ages 7 and up
Run Time: 28 mins
The delicate balance between ice, water, and the existence of life has been a topic of scientific inquiry for generations.
In travels to the Arctic and Antarctic regions of our planet, we’ll examine the ecosystems that exist and thrive there and learn how their survival is connected with our own. Beyond Earth, we’ll see how the existence of ice shapes the landscape and the natural systems on other planets and moons in our Solar System. Winner of five Telly Awards. Narrated by Academy Award-nominated actress, Emily Watson. Produced in cooperation with the University of New Hampshire, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, with the support of the National Science Foundation.
We are Aliens
Ages 6 and up
Run Time: 25 mins
What does a planet need to support life? Are we alone in the Universe?
Explore the extreme environments here on Earth where life thrives, then take a close-up look at the research happening on Mars and throughout the Solar System in search for life. Learn how astronomers are discovering extrasolar planets and studying their environments. Join the quest to understand our place in a Galaxy that might be teeming with life.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
Ages 3 - 5
Run Time: 25 mins
Young audience members will be thrilled when they find themselves on Sesame Street with their famous friends, Big Bird and Elmo.
The fun begins when Elmo’s friend, Hu Hu Zhu, visits from China and the three of them take the audience on an exciting journey of discovery to learn about the Sun, stars, and Big Dipper. Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu blast off on an imaginary trip to the Moon and when they return home to Earth everyone discovers that, no matter where we live, we all share the same sky.
Live Fulldome Shows
Looking for the more classic planetarium experience? In our live shows, join a member of our planetarium staff as they teach you about all things astronomy!
Tour of the Solar System
Ages 7 and up
Runtime: 20-25 minutes
Join our educators for a tour of Earth’s nearest neighbors! From planets and dwarf planets to moons and more, you’ll see some of the major bodies in our solar system and learn about how our understanding of our place in the universe develops with each new discovery.
Skies Tonight
Ages 7 and up
Runtime: 20-25 minutes
Coming to a dark sky near you! Join our experts as they take you on a fantastic journey through the nighttime sky. Students are shown how to locate and identify the stars, planets, and constellations visible in the evening sky at the time of their visit. The Galaxy awaits…
Astronomy After Dark
Want to engage with content that dives deeper than our typical programming? Our Astronomy After Dark series is designed for ages 13+ and features content for true space enthusiasts.
Shows run between 30-45 minutes. Please be aware that Astronomy After Dark is geared towards an adult audience and viewers younger than 13 may be asked to leave to respect others' experience.
Entry at or after 6 p.m. requires only a media pass--no general admission required! Doors close promptly at 6:15 and no late entry will be permitted.
The Hot and Energetic Universe
Ages 13 and up
Runtime: 30 min
Explore how high-energy astrophysics plays a key role in understanding the hot and violent nature of the universe. It will take you on journeys through our own galaxy, revealing the hidden characteristics of neutron stars, supernova remnants, stars, like our Sun, and very hot gas, which emit copious amounts of high-energy radiation that can be detected by astronomical instruments in space and on the ground.
Watch a preview of the show here!