Planetarium to reopen June 29 with new shows, enhanced projection

The upgrade means audiences will get a 360-degree visual experience when watching shows under the planetarium’s 55-foot dome. The previous projection system used only part of the dome for some of its shows.

The $215,000 projection system renovation has been on a university “wish list” for years and, now that it is installed, administrators can purchase newer, digitally produced shows, said Gheens Science Hall and Planetarium Director Thomas Tretter.

“We’re pretty pumped up about this new system,” he said. “It really enhances the overall show experience because audiences are so fully immersed in the visual they can ‘feel’ what it might be like to fly through space or travel through the human heart. It’s pretty mind-boggling.”

Shows offered at the reopening event will be “Perfect Little Planet,” which is targeted to children 8 and younger, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and “Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity,” targeted to all ages, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Costs per show are $8 for adults; $6 for children, senior citizens and UofL affiliates; and free for planetarium members. Discounts apply for the purchase of multiple show tickets. Tickets are sold on a first-come basis.

For general information call 502-852-6664 or see the planetarium’s website.