Exploring The Minnesota Night Sky
There are 8 Planetariums in Minnesota that feature space and astronomy programs. This link has four tips for local sky exploration including local planetariums, clubs and bloggers to follow, and where you can find telescope rentals before you buy. Check out the Minnesota Astronomical Society - one of the largest and most active amateur astronomy organizations in the United States! They have inspiration for beginners, Star Party events listings, and that telescope rental info.
The Science Museum of Minnesota covers all science, but you can find a lot of planet fun, especially in their classes and camps - check often as classes sell out quickly. Also check their website for Omnimax films and special exhibits. SMM has declared 2022 the Summer of Space, and even have sci-fi movie classics scheduled for Omnimax in August. A Beautiful Planet is also playing.
Como Planetarium, a 55-seat planetarium located in Como Elementary School (780 W Wheelock Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55117) specializes in educational experiences and has been in operation since 1975. They operate both a 'classic' star ball and an updated system that provides the opportunity for visitors to take virtual trips though the solar system, as well as enjoy interactive lessons. They are only open during the school year - Programs and lessons will resume in Sept. 2022. Public screenings are usually on Tuesdays.
The Bell Museum site has a maps for Minnesota’s night sky by the month, including meteor showers, a planetary showcase, and a calendar of Night Sky Events. They also post monthly night sky summaries on Facebook LIVE. Sign up to be a Constellation Hunter at any age!
Stay up late to explore the biggest worlds in your own backyard! Join our planetarium educator on Facebook Live as they show you when and how you can see the largest planets. They’ll also take you on a journey of what’s currently visible in the evening skies through the rest of the month. There’s something in the sky for everyone! Don’t forget to bring your questions, as we’ll save time for Q&A. FREE
We are fortunate, in the Twin Cities, to have a new, state-of-the art 120-seat MacMillan Planetarium in the neighborhood! From the comfort of a plush reclining seat, you’ll feel like you’re flying through Earth’s atmosphere to the far reaches of the universe, delving inside plant life and the human body, or swimming the deep sea. A 16-meter aluminum dome, constructed using the latest “seamless” technology (first in the world!), surrounds you in our new digital theater, offering larger-than-life views in front, above, and behind. 5.1 digital surround sound audio and theatrical lighting provide the finishing touches. HERE is our post with a little more info and ticket prices.
Featured productions are grounded in current science issues and combine fast-paced storytelling and beautiful visuals. Each production will engage general audiences while also meeting PreK–12 curricular objectives. Museum educators host Q&A sessions following the show.
For live presentations, Planetarium staff guide “fly-throughs” of scientific phenomena or locations with real-time software, while providing commentary and answering audience questions. Using this format, they can quickly respond to current events such as eclipses and space missions, drawing on productions from NASA, the Space Telescope Science Institute, U.S. Geologic Survey, National Weather Service, and other agencies. Planetarium software will be updated with the latest astronomy findings, including new exoplanet and galaxy discoveries.
The Bell Museum also offers Skynet Scholars, a program for middle and high school students that puts them in the driver’s seat to conduct their own scientific explorations of the universe. Scholars learn how to access a global network of research-grade telescopes that serve professional astronomers and students alike over the internet. They will get to experience hands-on astronomy and STEM based activities including the use of robotic telescopes to take their own astronomical images. There is a fee per semester – membership would be a great gift!