Get ready to explore your universe in Northeast Michigan’s only 30-foot full dome planetarium inside the Besser Museum. The planetarium offers a variety of educational and entertaining star talks and dome shows on a Spitz SciDome XD-S Digital system with seating for 50 people including wheelchair accessibility.
A planetarium is a unique type of theater designed to educate and inspire audiences about astronomy, space science, and the wonders of the night sky. Unlike a traditional movie theater with a flat screen in front of you, a planetarium features a domed ceiling that acts as a 360-degree screen. This dome allows for immersive projections of stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial phenomena. Inside the theater, tilted seats let visitors comfortably lean back and gaze upward, creating the sensation of being surrounded by the cosmos.
A specialized projector—often located in the center of the room—casts detailed images onto the dome, simulating the night sky as it appears from Earth or even from other locations in space.
Planetariums are not just about watching shows—they are centers for learning and exploration.
It's important to note that while planetariums simulate the sky indoors, telescopic viewing of real celestial objects typically takes place at an observatory.
Feeling inspired to venture out and see the spectacular night sky?
Northeast Michigan has 3 designated "dark sky preserves" that are perfect for stargazing and viewing aurora borealis because they are somewhat remote and have limited light pollution.
