A planetarium is a theater with the whole ceiling for a screen. You lean back in a reclined seat, the lights go down, and the dome fills with the night sky, with far more stars than you'll ever see from town. Modern projection systems can also fly you past the planets, through glowing nebulae and out among distant galaxies, usually in a show that runs under an hour.

You'll find planetariums inside science museums, at colleges and universities, and in some school districts. Big ones run a full daily schedule of shows; smaller ones may open to the public only on certain evenings. Many also have an observatory or host telescope nights where you can look at the moon and planets for real.

The Date Activity

A planetarium show is a great date for curious people. It's dark, quiet and a little awe-inspiring, and the conversation afterward pretty much writes itself. Many planetariums run evening programs aimed at adults, like laser shows set to music, live sky tours led by an astronomer, or after-hours museum nights.

Pair the show with dinner, then go find the real thing: drive out to a lookout away from the city lights and see how many constellations you can still name. If the planetarium is part of a science museum, leave time for the exhibits, and check whether there's an IMAX or giant-screen theater in the same building.

On Your Own / With Friends

Planetariums are a hit with kids, who tend to love the dome, and with groups looking for something different from the usual movie. Many offer group rates and school or scout programs, and some can be booked for birthday parties. For a full day of science and sea life, pair it with the aquarium.

Going alone is easy, too. Nobody notices a single seat in the dark, and public astronomy talks and telescope nights are a good way to meet people who share the interest.

Good to Know

Shows run on a set schedule and can sell out, especially laser shows and weekends, so buy tickets ahead and arrive a few minutes early. Some theaters won't seat latecomers once the show starts. Planetarium shows often need a separate ticket from museum admission. The moving sky can make some people a little dizzy; if that's you, focus on a fixed point or close your eyes during the fly-throughs. Keep phones off, since even a dim screen stands out under the dome. Ask about student, senior and member discounts.