08/31/2026
I am pleased to announce the Fall 2026 BGSU Planetarium public show schedule, which will begin on Thursday, September 3 and run through Sunday, December 13 with shows presented on most Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
This fall we include a series of programs across a range of topics including three shows new to the public schedule. In September we present one of these new shows, 5000 EYES: MAPPING THE UNIVERSE WITH DESI. In this program you’ll learn about the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which has been compiling the most detailed map to date of galaxies and large-scale structures in the nearby universe. Also in September, for younger audiences, we will present the show ANIMALS OF THE SKY, a delightful show telling the story of a girl named Delphia as she meets some of the animal constellations of the sky.
October will feature another show new to BGSU audiences, DARK SIDE OF LIGHT, about how artificial light affects our ability to observe the night sky and how it affects nature around us. This show will be paired with a compilation of beautiful astrophotography images. Also, showing in October is the returning program COSMIC RECIPE: SETTING THE PERIODIC TABLE about the origin of the elements. Then, starting October 18, get in the Halloween spirit with returning favorite SPOOKY SPACE.
November will bring the show THE DARK MATTER MYSTERY about searching for dark matter and how we seek to understand the nature of this unseen mass that seems to permeate the Universe. For younger audiences, November will also feature the show WE CHOOSE SPACE about human exploration of space, from the Apollo missions to the Moon and life aboard the International Space Station to looking forward to possible future colonies on the Moon.
In December, celebrate the Christmas season with returning favorites THE ALIEN WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS and Dale Smith’s beloved classic SECRET OF THE STAR.
If you are planning to be on campus for Homecoming or Falcon Family Weekend, make the Planetarium part of your weekend plans. In addition to our regular Thursday and Sunday schedule, we will be offering several extra Friday and Saturday shows during those special campus weekends. Visit the Planetarium website and the Homecoming and Falcon Family Weekend websites for more details.
Finally, weather permitting, we invite the public to visit the BGSU rooftop observatory after evening planetarium shows. In addition, the public is invited to visit the observatory on clear Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from September 4 through November 3. Details including times can be found on the calendar entries at the bottom of the Planetarium website at www.bgsu.edu/planetarium.
We hope to see you at the BGSU Planetarium this semester!
