Is your kid a budding astronomer? Or maybe your family just likes to gaze up at the stars? Learn more about space and the night sky at the Carmel Planetarium, located inside Carmel High School. Although the planetarium is a resource for the students attending Carmel High, once a month, the planetarium is open to the public for evening shows. These public shows are a great chance to learn more about all-things space.

Carmel Planetarium Public Shows

Because the Carmel Planetarium is located inside Carmel High School, it’s typically used only by CHS students, or as a field trip destination for local Carmel Clay schools. But once a month, the planetarium is open to everyone for public astronomy shows. These shows run about 40 minutes, and they are family-friendly and highly entertaining. Visitors can sit back in comfy chairs and gaze up in the dark at projections from a night sky simulator.

Related Article: Fun Activities for $5 or Less in Indianapolis

Each public show has a different theme. Themes change monthly, and explore questions in modern astronomy such as, “Is there another Earth in the galaxy?” or “What might have the night sky might looked like during the time of Jesus’ birth?” Some of the themes are fun and directed toward kids, like “Are there monsters in the Milky Way?” or deal with the current season, such as shows that discuss the summer sky over Indiana. All of the shows put a fun spin on astronomy that are engaging for the whole family.

What is a Planetarium Show Like?

These shows are best for kids who can sit quietly for at least 40 minutes, so typically kids who are preschool-aged or older will enjoy attending a show. Lights will be projected on a screen, so the lights in the room will be dimmed or turned off altogether.

There are about 60 seats in the planetarium auditorium, and seats for the public are on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are typically online, but they will also be available at the door if they are not sold out. Before and after the show, you can check out the astronomy equipment, including a 9.1m Astro-tec dome and GOTO Chronos night sky simulator.

Carmel Planetarium Show Information

• The Carmel Planetarium is located at 520 E. Main Street in Carmel. To get to the planetarium, enter through the main entrance of Carmel High School on Main Street. Once inside, walk past the Dale Graham auditorium and turn right.
• Doors will open 15 minutes before show time. No one will be admitted after the program begins.
• Children 12 years and under should be accompanied by an adult
• Planetarium shows typically start at 7 p.m., but for the most updated information, check the Carmel Planetarium Twitter feed (@CCSPlanetarium).
• Tickets can be purchased online (click here)  and are $5 for adults, and $3 for children, seniors and CHS students.

For more information about the Carmel Planetarium, visit the website at ccs.k12.in.us/chs/academics/planetarium.

Upcoming Public Planetarium Shows: