Bring the excitement of the planetarium to you with a series of astronomy programs brought to you by the Vanderbilt Museum and Reichert Planetarium! These programs, presented live by an astronomy educator, combine visually stunning presentations with hands-on demonstrations to create engaging and interactive educational astronomy experiences. Our programs are designed for all ages, from elementary school students to adults and seniors that cover a wide variety of astronomy topics listed below.
Each program lasts approximately 1 hour with the option to add on a half-hour observation session with one of our telescopes.
Classroom Program (Max. 30 participants) – $250.00 | Assembly Program (Max. 300 participants) – $550.00 | Observing Session Add-On – $100.00
Each program lasts approximately 1 hour.
To inquire about availability and to book a program at your location, call our Education Department at (631) 854-5539. For questions about this opportunity, email our Planetarium Outreach Coordinator, Rachel Goralski, at rachel@vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Science Learning Standards
What are the different types of weather and what does the sky look like for each? How does it change throughout the year? Learn how to make observations about temperature and what affects how hot or cold we feel. Watch how high temperatures make ice melt and low temperatures make water freeze and discuss what we can do to protect ourselves from the weather.
Science Learning Standards
Explore the Sun’s properties and the energy it gives us. Discover the water cycle through a kinesthetic activity and learn about clouds, lightning, and rainbows. Then, study the Moon’s phases and journey to the Moon to conduct an experiment about gravity.
Science Learning Standards
On this trip through the Solar System, learn how the Sun affects the water cycle and seasons on Earth. Watch the planets rotate and revolve around the Sun, and contemplate the Moon’s phases. Learn how to distinguish planets from stars, then blast off to visit each planet.
Science Learning Standards
Discover the source of the Sun’s power and its influence on planets, discuss gravity’s effect on space, then witness how planets, asteroids, and comets orbit the Sun. Next, study the origins of our solar system and our universe and examine evidence of the universe’s expansion.
The Sun
Journey through time to experience the birth, life, and death of our Sun and observe its features in stunning detail.
The Planets
Get an in-depth look at the planets in our Solar System and the many scientific programs that study them.
Spotlight on the Moon
Explore the Moon’s terrain and discuss the physical changes that cause craters, eclipses, and the Moon’s phases.
Eclipse
Prepare for upcoming lunar and solar eclipses by learning what causes them and when, where, and how to view them.
Meteoroids, Meteors, and Meteorites, Oh My!
Learn the differences between the various kinds of space debris, how they cause shooting stars, and gather tips for the best way to watch meteor showers.
Astrology and Astronomy
Study the apparent motions of stars and planets across the sky and how our understanding of these motions has changed over thousands of years.
Origins
From planets and stars to nebulae and black holes, learn the cosmic origins of the objects that make up the Universe.
Science Learning Standards
Examine the relationships between the Sun, the Earth, and the Moon. Explore the electromagnetic spectrum and how the Sun’s energy affects weather and seasons on Earth. Voyage to the Moon to learn about its phases, its pull on the tides, and watch mesmerizing eclipses.
For a more immersive in-school planetarium experience, consider booking our Traveling Planetarium.
