279 Past Events at Charles W. Brown Planetarium

Narrated by Andy Serkis, this program seeks to answer some of the biggest questions of all time. What are we made of? Where did it all come from? Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry, our explosive origins and connect life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe. A family-friendly film full of fun, adventure, and enlightenment. 

Most suitable for ages 8+, all ages are welcome.

There will be a total solar eclipse visible from Muncie on April 8, 2024, and a partial solar eclipse visible from Muncie on October 14, 2023. A total solar eclipse is such a spectacular event, it is never too early to start planning for one. Come learn how solar and lunar eclipses happen, and about scientific discoveries that have been supported by total solar eclipses. This show also uses beautiful visuals to explore the historical and cultural view of eclipses, and explains how to safely see these awe-inspiring sights. 

Most suitable for ages 9+, all ages are welcome.

"One World, One Sky" is a brilliant program that follows Sesame Street's Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a new friend from China. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the Moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. They will also find shapes in the sky that will help them find the North Star. This cross-cultural adventure opens children's eyes to the sky, helping them see how people all over the world are connected.
Best suited for families and groups with pre-K through 1st grade learners, all ages are welcome.

Start or expand your journey as a star gazer during this live presentation. Learn how the sky changes with the seasons. Use sky charts to find your way around the night sky and discover fascinating objects along the way.
Suitable for all ages 8+, all ages are welcome.

Narrated by Andy Serkis, this program seeks to answer some of the biggest questions of all time. What are we made of? Where did it all come from? Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry, our explosive origins and connect life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe. A family-friendly film full of fun, adventure, and enlightenment. 

Most suitable for ages 8+, all ages are welcome.

From the launch of the first artificial satellite Sputnik, to the magnificent lunar landings and privately-operated space flights. Be immersed in this historic reconstruction of Man’s first steps into space. Who were the Men and Women that took part in these death-defying endeavors? Witness their drive, their passion, and their perseverance to explore, in Dawn of the Space Age.

Most suitable for all ages 10+, all ages welcome.

Coyote has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors. His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system and learn to distinguish between myths and science. Learn the basics of fusion and solar energy and why the Sun rises and sets. 
Best suited for families and groups with kids, all ages are welcome.

Space exploration, our greatest adventure, impacts all of our lives here on Earth. Join us on an incredible journey from the far reaches of our known universe to then explore our own planet. Hear the extraordinary story of human ingenuity and engineering, describing how the technology that transports us through space is paving the way for the devices and apps many of us use every day.

Most suitable for all ages 9+, all ages welcome.

There will be a total solar eclipse visible from Muncie on April 8, 2024, and a partial solar eclipse visible from Muncie on October 14, 2023. A total solar eclipse is such a spectacular event, it is never too early to start planning for one. Come learn how solar and lunar eclipses happen, and about scientific discoveries that have been supported by total solar eclipses. This show also uses beautiful visuals to explore the historical and cultural view of eclipses, and explains how to safely see these awe-inspiring sights. 

Most suitable for ages 9+, all ages are welcome.

From the launch of the first artificial satellite Sputnik, to the magnificent lunar landings and privately-operated space flights. Be immersed in this historic reconstruction of Man’s first steps into space. Who were the Men and Women that took part in these death-defying endeavors? Witness their drive, their passion, and their perseverance to explore, in Dawn of the Space Age.

Most suitable for all ages 10+, all ages welcome.

Coyote has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors. His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system and learn to distinguish between myths and science. Learn the basics of fusion and solar energy and why the Sun rises and sets. 
Best suited for families and groups with kids, all ages are welcome.

Space exploration, our greatest adventure, impacts all of our lives here on Earth. Join us on an incredible journey from the far reaches of our known universe to then explore our own planet. Hear the extraordinary story of human ingenuity and engineering, describing how the technology that transports us through space is paving the way for the devices and apps many of us use every day.

Most suitable for all ages 9+, all ages welcome.

There will be a total solar eclipse visible from Muncie on April 8, 2024, and a partial solar eclipse visible from Muncie on October 14, 2023. A total solar eclipse is such a spectacular event, it is never too early to start planning for one. Come learn how solar and lunar eclipses happen, and about scientific discoveries that have been supported by total solar eclipses. This show also uses beautiful visuals to explore the historical and cultural view of eclipses, and explains how to safely see these awe-inspiring sights. 

Most suitable for ages 9+, all ages are welcome.

Start: April 5, 2024 5:30 p.m.
End: April 5, 2024 6:15 p.m.

Charles W. Brown Planetarium

Coyote has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors. His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system and learn to distinguish between myths and science. Learn the basics of fusion and solar energy and why the Sun rises and sets.

Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+, all ages are welcome.

One free pair of solar eclipse glasses will be provided to each planetarium show guest for a suggested cash donation of $1, while supplies last. Glasses are partially funded through support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Simons Foundation. Learn more about the upcoming total solar eclipse happening at Ball State to prepare for this spectacular event.

Cost: FREE, cash donations are accepted at the door. No reservations are required. However, plan to arrive early as seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited. We do our best to have doors open 30 minutes before show time.

Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes total with live sky tour.

Due to nearby construction, select parking and pathway access to the planetarium is blocked off. Plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and to arrive on time for the program.

• The planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Building, at 2111 West Riverside Avenue on the campus of Ball State University in Muncie.
• Food, drinks, gum or candy are not allowed in the planetarium.
• Cellphones and any electronics that emit light must be silenced or turned off at the start of all programs. Please refrain from wearing light-up shoes to any planetarium programs.
• Children 17 years and under should be accompanied by an adult.
• We greatly appreciate your support to make our programs possible, and cash donations are accepted at the door.

Start: April 5, 2024 6:30 p.m.
End: April 5, 2024 7:30 p.m.
Charles W. Brown Planetarium

There will be a total eclipse of the Sun visible from Muncie, Indiana on April 8, 2024. Come learn how solar and lunar eclipses happen, and about scientific discoveries that have been supported by total solar eclipses. This show also uses beautiful visuals to explore the historical and cultural view of eclipses, and explains how to safely see these awe-inspiring sights.
Most suitable for ages 10+, all ages are welcome.

One free pair of solar eclipse glasses will be provided to each planetarium show guest for a suggested cash donation of $1, while supplies last. Glasses are partially funded through support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Simons Foundation. Learn more about the upcoming total solar eclipse happening at Ball State to prepare for this spectacular event.

Cost: FREE, cash donations are accepted at the door. No reservations are required. However, plan to arrive early as seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited. We do our best to have doors open 30 minutes before show time.

Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes total with live sky tour.

Due to nearby construction, select parking and pathway access to the planetarium is blocked off. Plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and to arrive on time for the program.

• The planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Building, at 2111 West Riverside Avenue on the campus of Ball State University in Muncie.
• Food, drinks, gum or candy are not allowed in the planetarium.
• Cellphones and any electronics that emit light must be silenced or turned off at the start of all programs. Please refrain from wearing light-up shoes to any planetarium programs.
• Children 17 years and under should be accompanied by an adult.
• We greatly appreciate your support to make our programs possible, and cash donations are accepted at the door.

Start: April 6, 2024 2:30 p.m.
End: April 6, 2024 7 p.m.
 

Come learn about solar eclipses during special workshops, lectures, planetarium programs, and more as we continue to get ready for April’s total solar eclipse.

When: Saturday, April 6, from 2:30pm – 7pm (last planetarium show starts at 6:30pm, show schedule listed below)
Who: Everyone is invited! Community friends, families, students… everyone!
Cost: FREE, cash donations accepted. Space is limited, and seating will be done on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: The Charles W. Brown Planetarium and Cooper Science Building

ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS

• Free Ball State solar eclipse glasses, while supplies last, for a suggested donation of $1/pair
• Hands-on science and art activities and workshops for all ages
• Special eclipse lecture by Ball State Astronomy Professor Dr. Todd Vaccaro at 5:30pm in the Brown Planetarium
• 30-minute planetarium shows for all ages:
  • 2:30pm – One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure (ages 3+)
  • 3:30pm – Kitz the Cat’s SuperMoon Adventure (ages 6+)
  • 4:30pm – Earth, Moon, & Sun (ages 8+)
  • 5:30pm – Special lecture by Professor Dr. Todd Vaccaro in the planetarium (ages 12+)
  • 6:30pm – Eclipse: The Sun Revealed (ages 9+)
• Information about the Total Solar Eclipse coming to Muncie on April 8, 2024

Learn more about the upcoming total solar eclipse happening at Ball State to prepare for the spectacular event. Glasses are partially funded through support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Simons Foundation.

Due to nearby construction, select parking and pathway access to the planetarium is blocked off. Plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and to arrive on time for the program.

• The planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Building, at 2111 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie, IN.
• Food, drinks, gum or candy are not allowed in the planetarium.
• Cellphones and any electronics that emit light must be silenced or turned off at the start of all programs. Please refrain from wearing light-up shoes to any planetarium programs.
• Children 17 years and under should be accompanied by an adult.
• We greatly appreciate your support to make our programs possible, and cash donations are accepted at the door.

Start: April 7, 2024 2:30 p.m.
End: April 7, 2024 7 p.m.
Charles W. Brown Planetarium

When: Sunday, April 7, from 2:30pm – 7pm (last planetarium show starts at 6:30pm, show schedule listed below)
Who: Everyone is invited! Community friends, families, students… everyone!
Cost: FREE, cash donations accepted. Space is limited, and seating will be done on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: The Charles W. Brown Planetarium

ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS

• Free Ball State solar eclipse glasses, while supplies last, for a suggested donation of $1/pair
• Solar telescopes (weather permitting)
• 30-minute planetarium shows for all ages:
  • 2:30pm – One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure (ages 3+)
  • 3:30pm – Kitz the Cat’s SuperMoon Adventure (ages 6+)
  • 4:30pm – Earth, Moon, & Sun (ages 8+)
  • 5:30pm – Eclipse: The Sun Revealed (ages 9+)
  • 6:30pm – Eclipse: The Sun Revealed (ages 9+)

Learn more about the upcoming total solar eclipse happening at Ball State to prepare for the spectacular event. Glasses are partially funded through support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Simons Foundation.

Due to nearby construction, select parking and pathway access to the planetarium is blocked off. Plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and to arrive on time for the program.

• The planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Building, at 2111 West Riverside Avenue on the campus of Ball State University in Muncie.
• Food, drinks, gum or candy are not allowed in the planetarium.
• Cellphones and any electronics that emit light must be silenced or turned off at the start of all programs. Please refrain from wearing light-up shoes to any planetarium programs.
• Children 17 years and under should be accompanied by an adult.
• We greatly appreciate your support to make our programs possible, and cash donations are accepted at the door.

Start: April 8, 2024 1:52 p.m.
End: April 8, 2024 4:25 p.m.
 

A total solar eclipse will occur during the day on April 8, 2024 and will only be visible by only some of the world, including Muncie, IN (weather permitting, with proper eye protection)! The solar eclipse will begin on Monday, April 8, 2024 at approximately 1:52:13 p.m., when the Moon starts to block out the southwest side of the Sun (at the 5 o'clock mark). The Moon will continue to block out more of the Sun until totality, when the Sun is fully blocked by the Moon. Totality in Muncie begins at 3:07:37 p.m.* You can safely view this portion of the eclipse, and this short portion alone, without any eye protection because the entire face of the Sun will be completely blocked by the Moon. Here at Ball State University, totality will last about 3 minutes and 40 seconds, with it ending at 3:11:15 p.m. The partial solar eclipse will continue until the entire event ends at 4:24:16 p.m. *Exact start and end times will vary by location. Follow safety guidelines for determining when to view totality.

To learn more about this solar eclipse and others, keep watching our website and social media pages, and visit our 2024 Solar Eclipse page.

https://www.bsu.edu/web/planetarium/2024-solar-eclipse