Public Programs
Public programs are offered on Friday evenings throughout the year at 7:30 pm (May through September at 8:30 pm) and Saturday afternoons during the academic year at 1:00 pm. Admission to all public programs is $8 for adults and $6 for children, seniors and UToledo community members (children 3 and under are free).
We accept credit card and cash payments. All shows are first-come, first-served - reservations and advanced ticket purchases are not available. Doors open 30 minutes before the show, during which time you can explore the displays in our lobby. (Note the time change to 8:30 PM as of May 1.)
The planetarium (show) portion of the program is approximately one-hour, while the
observing session on Friday night will continue until everyone has had a chance to
take a look through the telescope. More information below.
Spring 2026 Schedule
Out There
Friday evenings at 7:30 PM from March 6 to March 27, 2026
In the last twenty-five years astronomers have discovered thousands of new planets orbiting other stars in our Milky Way. Learn the techniques they use to find these hidden worlds from both space-based and earth-based observatories. Find out the diverse mix of planets, “Out There”.
Magic Globe
Saturday afternoons at 1:00 PM from March 7 to March 28, 2026
On vacation at her grandpa’s, a little girl named Mia accidentally discovers a mysterious piece of astronomical machinery. Edmund, Mia’s eccentric uncle, tricks the girl into using the tool’s secret powers to change the world’s seasons. She realizes the consequences of what they are going to do, but Edmund doesn’t want to let the plan go. “Magic Globe” is an engaging story designed to interest and challenge children from 5 to 12 years old.
Dynamic Earth
Friday evenings at 7:30 PM from April 3 to April 24, 2026
Dynamic Earth explores the inner workings of Earth’s great life support system: the global climate. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
Zula Patrol: Under the Weather
Saturday afternoons at 1:00 PM April 4, 11, 25 2026
The stalwart heroes of the Zula Patrol are on an expedition collecting samples of
weather for scientist Multo’s research. When the Zula gang inadvertently hurts their
loyal pet Gorga’s feelings, he decides to leave Zula and find another planet to live
on. Villain Dark Truder then tricks Gorga into helping with his latest nefarious
scheme to rule the Universe. The Zula Patrollers find out and go after him – in the
process learning all about weather, both here on Earth and on the other planets of
the Solar System.
Astronomy Day, April 18 (More Information Soon)
Messengers of Time and Space
Friday evenings at 8:30 PM from May 1 to May 29, 2026
A new age of astronomy is just about to start that will allow researchers to capture exploding stars, colliding black holes and other cosmic cataclysms in real time. “Messengers of Time and Space” is designed to illuminate the imminent revolution in astronomy driven by time-domain and multi-messenger observations. This immersive experience invites audiences to explore the dynamic cosmos and witness the transformative impact of real-time data on our understanding of the Universe.
Did An Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?
Saturday afternoons at 1:00 PM May 2 to May 30 2026
Astronomy and Dinosaurs, what else could anyone want? This program examines the mystery of the great extinction some 65 million years ago. Travel with us as geologists roam the earth in search of clues that ultimately lead scientists to the massive impact from space in the Yucatan Peninsula that killed the dinosaurs. This is an exciting and entertaining program that answers the question, “Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?
What you can expect:
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A live guided tour of the Toledo night sky
You will learn about the constellations visible from Toledo and any planets visible to the naked eye. We also typically discuss one "hot topic" in astronomy, such as the discovery of new planets around other stars, or the latest NASA discover on Mars.
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The full-dome presentation
Whether we are traveling inside a black hole, taking a tour of the moon with Elmo, or learning about the skies over Toledo, you and your family will simply be amazed at the full-dome immersive show. -
An open-ended question and answer session
Our expert host will answer all of your astronomy questions, whether they pertain to the live tour of the night sky, the feature presentation, or any other astronomy question that you might have. -
Observing at Brooks/Ritter Observatory
You will be escorted over to Brooks Observatory atop McMaster Hall to view the stars and/or planets through our new 14 telescope. On the first Friday of every month, we instead observe with the Ritter 1m (40 in) telescope. This telescope is the largest active telescope east of the Mississippi and is still used by the astronomers at UToledo for their research. All observing is weather permitting!