23 Planetariums in New York (Unique, Educating, & Immersive)
Have you ever wondered about stars in the sky and discussed constellations standing in your yard?
Stargazing is becoming popular in the last few years, and people of all ages enjoy watching actual celestial bodies.
You may find an open outdoor space, but the light pollution will not allow you to see the bodies but the brightest stars.
The best thing to observe and learn about these constellations is the unique planetariums of New York, offering you exciting things and expert guidance.
If you want to explore story-telling constellations and discover how stars help in navigation, this article will feed your mind with all you need.
You’ll find excellent options to help them to explore the stars, planets, beautiful night sky, and everything in the Universe.
Start your grazing and have a unique experience.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Aquariums in New York.
Planetariums in New York City, New York
1. Rose Center for Earth and Space
Have you ever seen an iconic 87-foot-diameter sphere encompassing a planetarium and theater floating inside a glass cube?
Rose Center for Earth and Space offers plenty of exhibitions that help you explore the diverse range of sizes in the Universe and the galaxies’ nature.
Introduce yourself to the 13-billion-year-old history of the cosmos, stars, planets, and habitable zone, and unwind the dynamic features of Earth.
In case you visit this sphere, you’ll discover the Hayden Planetarium in the upper half, while the sphere’s lower half is Hayden Big Bang Theater.
Surprisingly, Rose Center brings the Universe down on the Earth and allows you to explore its Hayden Planetarium, Harriet and Robert cosmic Pathway, and Scales of the Universe.
You’ll witness everything from the birth of a bright star to death and cosmic collisions to searching for extraterrestrial life.
Take inspiration from the new Rose Center’s building, the transparency of the curtain wall illuminating the contents and enhancing the sphere’s presence.
Various spaces and educational exhibits are arranged in a clear and flexible sequence to ensure the accessibility and reflection of modern technologies.
Reserve your tickets, and get an opportunity to explore the birth of the Universe, its expansion, and cooling.
Address: 81st Street, New York, NY 10024, USA
2. Hyden Planetarium at AMNH
Since 2000, the Hyden Planetarium, a significant feature of the Rose Center, has been a permanent beacon of astrophysical education.
Its 429-seat Space Theater featuring Digital Dome Projection System and Zeiss Mark IX Star Projector provides an ultra-realistic view of the nebulae, clusters, galaxies, and planets.
Take advantage of its scientifically precise 3D map of the cosmos, which will take you on a virtual journey utilizing billions of astronomical observations.
Meet the team of visualization experts and museum scientists who maintained this Digital Universe Atlas with the assistance of colleagues from NASA.
The space shows are also the results of the Digital Universe Atlas, which provides its foundations.
Moreover, if you plan your visit, you’ll get amenities like wheelchair accessibility, captioning, description devices, and show translations.
Never miss its Worlds Beyond Earth show, offering you an exciting journey across the solar system, visualizing far beyond the habitable zone.
Numerous programs, events, and educator materials are available to ensure a memorable and exciting visit.
You will surely get various food options, such as the Café on One and Museum Food Court.
Address: Central Park West, NY 10024, USA
3. Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
If you are passionate about space science and looking for an all-in-one experience, The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum is your place.
While it’s structurally not a planetarium, you’ll get plenty of shows, exhibitions, and demos on space and astronomy after exploring this museum.
Participate in its Virtual Astro Live event, and get an opportunity to meet space science experts, like-minded people, scientists, and astronauts.
Take advantage of its monthly live events where you can explore and discuss various topics on space and astronomy and discover new things.
Explore its Space Shuttle Pavilion showing you Enterprise, the NASA orbiter model that makes the mode easy for the shuttle program of space.
With its seventeen exhibition zones, you’ll have an immersive experience watching original artifacts, audio recordings, photographs, and films.
Discovering the space shuttle design, highlighting the talent, walking directly under the orbiter, and getting a dramatic view from an elevated platform are some unique experiences.
While entering the pavilion through the soundscape, you’ll listen to the original conversations between the Enterprise pilots and mission control.
To compare the two spacecraft, get ready to see the space flow Soyuz TMA-6 space capsule.
Address: Pier-86, 46th Street, NY 10036, USA
4. City College of New York Planetarium
Opened in 1973, CCNY Planetarium has been serving the neighboring communities for decades with its short videos, astronomy, and space news.
Hosting a wide range of live shows and exhibits make it suitable for all ages, including CCNY students, k-12 schools, and other NYC audience.
Enjoy live space tours, use their unique universe simulator, and experience flying over the cosmos.
You’ll fly over their Hamilton Height neighborhood, visit the shining Moon or Mars, and escape the solar system altogether.
Explore their intergalactic space, discover exoplanet systems, and learn how immersive space can be used artistically.
Their specialization turns scientific data and provides you with informative and memorable visualization.
In Interpreting Astronomy Visualization, you’ll learn some of the critical techniques scientists use to visualize the Universe for communicating.
Rest assured that all your questions get answered here, like what science visualization is and what science visualizers do.
Plan your visit, and you’ll see the alignment of wandering stars and visualize 2000-year-old ancient star catalogs.
Address: 275 Street Nicholas Terrace, New York, NY 10031, USA
5. East Village Planetarium at The Lowest Eastside Girls Club
Are you in favor of women’s empowerment and want to promote their STEM education through innovative space programs?
Introduce yourself and your little ones to the hidden gem at The Lowest Eastside Girl Club, East Village Planetarium, offering exciting opportunities.
With a seating capacity of 34 persons and a 30′ digital dome, it hosts numerous live events, opportunities, and exhibits in digital dome education.
In addition to dome education, it facilitates the girls club members and small school groups’ Astrophysics and space science education.
Maker shop is there, allowing your girls to work and learn with role models in STEM fields.
That’s not the end; it’s Digital and Audio Arts allowing students to participate in video production, photography, and audio engineering.
In Where Girl Radio Lives (WGRL), you’ll get to host various programs as the Internet radio station is online.
Overall, East Village Planetarium is the place that equips and empowers girls with all about space and the universe education and information.
Address: 402 E, 8th Street, NY 10009, USA
6. Urban Park Rangers’ Astronomy Programs at NYC Parks
If you belong to New York, you must have seen Urban Park Rangers offering various fascinating programs for families throughout the city’s parks.
Though not typically a planetarium, one of their unique programs, Astronomy, must be included in NYC Planetariums as they offer the same activities.
Go stargazing with them, check out the hottest stars, learn and discover about the solar system, and watch exciting meteor shows.
With Urban Park Rangers, having no telescope or binoculars is fine, as rest assured that they will provide you with telescopes.
Discover newfound knowledge about the planets, Universe, stars, night sky, and planets other than Earth where life is present.
In addition to stargazing sessions, indoor presentations, and informative lectures are available to feed you about your celestial objects’ concerns.
Luckily, the Urban Park Rangers’ programs suit people of all levels, from children to adults.
Mark your calendar for the upcoming astronomy event, and spend a memorable time with family while learning about the cosmos.
Address: New York City, United States
7. Andrus Planetarium at Hudson River Museum
Hudson River Museum offers a limitless exploration of arts and history; its planetarium awaits you to discover the wonders of the cosmos.
Whether visiting the planetarium for research purposes or spending a great time with family, you’ll find something exciting at its every corner.
The specialty of this planetarium is its recommended slots of shows for different ages, and you can enjoy them according to your age and interest.
With its relatively large number of shows and events, from understanding the moon’s mysteries to life beyond Earth., it is suitable for all ages and interests.
Planetarium’s shows will provide the truth behind all these stories you must have heard about stars’ shapes.
If you visit it in the afternoon, you’ll be able to explore the sky, which looks like night, and it is live, interactive, and open to everyone.
Moreover, apart from the weekly shows and screenings, you’ll also get shows on selective holidays, events, and summer breaks.
Get all the information about the schedule of the shows and its Radio Frequency Assisted Listening Systems from its staff.
Make sure to book your time-specified tickets before you visit this planetarium.
Address: 511-Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10701, USA
Also see our article on Museums in New York.
Planetariums in Upstate New York
1. RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
You must have visited the Rochester Museum and Science Center multiple times with your family, but have you seen its Strasenburgh Planetarium?
Prepare yourself for the journey across the cosmos through Strasenburgh Planetarium’s spectacular and exciting shows.
Experience the Star Theater dome with its featured presentation, JWST, The Just Wonderful Space Telescope, and explore the infrared scientific superpower.
Whether you’re young or an adult, you’ll get various exciting things in the form of presentations, events, classes, and shows awaiting you.
If you want to experience something innovative such as yoga under the stars, black holes revealed, dinosaurs at dusk, and visiting all planets, this place is for you.
Participate in exhibits like Rochester’s Eyes in Space and explore the universal importance of stars and sky using modern technologies.
Become a member of the planetarium, and get an opportunity to enjoy your event under the stars, free telescopes, and host your planetarium show.
That’s not all; various means of learning are available, including field trips, camps, and scouts, which offer enrichment programs and exhibits.
Address: 663 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607, USA
2. The Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory
Are you observing an idyllic destination to fulfill your dream of stargazing in the Adirondack Mountains?
The Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory welcome you with its combination of ideal conditions, including low humidity, low-light pollution, and high altitude.
At the dark side of the hill, the Adirondack Center has been anchoring its roots and offering you a place to view the night sky.
With its excellence in providing a high-quality educational experience through the history of astronomy, it is well-suited for people of all ages.
In addition to offering a unique experience of stargazing, family-oriented events, and educational lectures, it gives you a whole new dimension of night sky viewing.
Discover the night sky at its Roll-off Roof Observatory, but ensure to check upcoming events and schedule of viewing.
Reserve your spot, or become a member, and discover the paradise of stars with its night sky viewing.
Address: 178 Big Wolf Road, Tupper Lake, New York 12986, USA
3. The SUNY Oneonta Planetarium
Introduce yourself to the world’s most advanced digital theater system at the SUNY Oneonta Planetarium that operates the Evans and Sutherland Digistar 6.
Bring stars to the Earth with its digital projector, and observe the sharp views of planets, constellations, and stars in the night sky.
Moreover, you can also enjoy a planetarium show experience using its system that shows 3D, IMAX-style animations, effects, and movies.
Its technology and countless shows make its use appropriate in numerous science classes and offer an entertaining and enriching experience.
You must join the Nebula Society if you’re passionate about stargazing and planets and interested in discovering and learning about the Universe.
There is unique hosting of plenty of planetarium shows from preschool to high school that improves in-class instructional units.
Whether you’re visiting this in private groups, individually, or in school groups, make sure to check the availability of its shows.
Get ready to join its society and experience its Digistar 6 system.
Address: 108 Ravine PKWY, Oneonta, NY 13820, USA
4. Roberson Museum and Science Center Planetarium
Roberson Museum’s link planetarium serves thousands of general public and school children with its planetarium shows and exhibits.
The cool thing is that plenty of educational programs offered, particularly to school groups, can be arranged for your organizations.
Experience an epic journey with its asteroid show, and discover how asteroids serve as both a danger and an opportunity.
Discover the danger lying in the cataclysmic collision with Earth and the benefits humankind will get after astronauts reach an asteroid.
Watch its show, back to the Moon for Good, giving you a presentation about the original Lunar X Prize and a tribute to Israel for landing a spacecraft on the moon.
But that’s not the end; available Chinese astronomy takes you back over three thousand years and gives detailed celestial observations.
If you have kids, check out its show Earth, moon, and Sun, designed for kids using a Native American character, Coyote.
You’ll get information on the sun’s rising and setting, the Earth’s rotation, and the day and night revolution.
Overall, you’ll have a great day of learning and discovering at this planetarium.
Address: 30 Front Street, Binghamton, New York 13905, USA
5. John R. Kirk Planetarium
You must have heard about the State University of NY, but do you know about the planetarium they used to promote education?
John R. Kirk Planetarium at the university promotes space and science education for SUNY students.
But their shows have enabled them to host the general public, private groups, school trips, and other scouting organizations.
When the university is in session, the planetarium remains accessible to the public featuring Astronomy Night on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.
Ensure you have tickets to attend its Astronomy Night shows, but it is okay if the session reaches capacity, as rest assured that you’ll get a second show.
After the show, you’ll get an opportunity for telescope viewing at its Smolen Observatory, where tickets are not required.
The recommended age for the Astronomy Night activities is above 7, ensuring that people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy this show.
Telescope viewing begins immediately after sunset, and whether you participate in Astronomy Night or telescope viewing is upon you.
Purchase your planetarium show tickets online one week before the show.
Address: Hawk Dr, New Platz, New York 12561, USA
6. Kopernik Observatory and Science Center
Kopernik Society opened this observatory to memorialize the 500th birth anniversary of the father of modern astronomy, Copernicus, Mikolaj Kopernik.
Since 1974, millions of adults and children have been experiencing the wonders of the cosmos at Kopernik Observatory and Science Center.
Its location atop a 1740-foot hill makes it a well-suited and best-equipped observatory for the general public in the Northeast USA.
Specially designed to promote space and science education, this science laboratory facilitates k-12 students, teachers, and their families.
Kopernik Observatory provides all the tools, including advanced telescopes, and offers hands-on investigations, encouraging you to discover the cosmos’ wonders.
Join its Kopernik Astronomical Society (KAS), and meet and learn from many dedicated observational astronomers.
You’ll get facilities like a portable planetarium and telescopes, three observatory telescopes, a CCD camera, Heliostat Solar Telescope, True Color 3D Projector, and several space and science labs.
Visit this historical observatory and experiences new things at its labs.
Address: 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY 13850, USA
Also see our article on Festivals in New York.
Planetariums in Long Island, New York
1. Custer Institute and Observatory
If you’re searching for the oldest public observatory on Long Island, where you can complete your quest of history, there’s no need to explore further.
Established in 1927, Custer Institute and Observatory is where you can observe stars and planets in the open air using modern telescopes.
Unwind the history of the night sky, and discover how these stars benefit humanity with many functions, including a calendar, a clock, and a map.
Experience gazing up at the night sky filled with shining stars, where you’ll learn how to navigate and explore the summer night sky and constellations.
Meet the renowned professional artist, telescope builder, and lecturer Randall DiGiuseppe, and learn about the constellations and night sky.
Take advantage of the stargazing lecture, and enjoy an evening learning the navigation basics, locations, and the folklore behind these constellations.
Get a guided night sky tour with the observatory staff using many advanced telescopes, and observe stars through the apochromatic Zerochromat telescope.
Before leaving this observatory, visit its library, gift shop, and exhibit and get details about upcoming exhibits, lectures, and concerts.
Address: 1115 Bayview Rd, Southold, NY 11971, USA
2. The Reichert Planetarium
The Reichert Planetarium welcomes you if you want to experience leading-edge programming in a scientifically innovative theater.
You’ll find something exciting whether you are a local school student, community member, or out-of-town visitor.
This planetarium’s programming includes live star talks, full-dome films, laser shows, concerts, and special events.
Explore the planetarium and its theater, featuring a dome of 60 feet, oversized comfort seats, and a 5.1 sound system.
Get advantage of its full-dome video projection systems, and watch a highly realistic starry sky with its hybrid Gemini Star III system.
You’ll have a unique experience of seamlessly cross-fades, lift you off your planet, and have you travel somewhere you want in the cosmos.
Visit stars, planets, galaxies, moon, nurseries, exoplanets, black holes, and the entire Universe from a specific point, and enjoy an awe-inspiring experience.
Never miss its rooftop observatory, where you’ll observe the night sky using a 16-inch Meade reflecting telescope.
Make your parties and engagements memorable and fantastic using this planetarium as a venue.
Buy tickets now, and enjoy a journey where you’ll learn about the beauty, stories, and power of stars.
Address: 180 Neck Rd, Centerport, NY 11721, USA
3. JetBlue Sky Theater Planetarium at Cradle of Aviation Museum
Have you ever wondered how your planet will digitally look from the edge of the Universe?
JetBlue Sky Theater Planetarium comes in to take you on a memorable journey of millions of light years and offers you a view from the farthest point of the Universe.
Experience powerful virtual reality in the Universe through pure laser projectors in its immersive full-dome planetarium.
Its state-of-the-art projection and sound system give you an entertaining, exciting, and beyond-your-imagination experience.
JetBlue Sky Theater offers endless shows featuring one world, one Sky, Mars 1001, touch the Stars, current night sky, and Unseen Universe.
Never miss its passport to the Universe show, where you’ll fly underneath Saturn’s rings, into the Orion Nebula’s heart, and out into the observable Universe.
Educate and inspire yourself using its natural science and cutting-edge technologies, and get immersive experiences of cosmic destinations as never possible before.
Check the availability of a passport to the universe show, and experience something with the collaboration of NASA.
Address: Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530, USA
4. Hofstra University Observatory and Planetarium
The Hofstra University Observatory is your ideal destination to learn about astronomical education and research.
University students take astronomy courses and make their observations about the planets, galaxies, stars, nebulae, moon, and the sun for the course.
Don’t worry if you’re not a university student, as you can enjoy its Stars on Sundays exhibit and numerous other outreach events available for the public.
Get advantage of the link of Stellarium, an open-source planetarium for your laptop, showing you a 3D realistic sky similar to that you see with the naked eye, telescope, or binoculars.
If you use Stellarium, you’ll get countless features, including a catalog of over 80,000 deep-sky objects, a realistic milky way, 600,000 stars, an atmosphere, sunrise, and sunset.
But that’s not all; its multilingual interface, powerful zoom, and time control make it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.
Discover Celestron telescopes, automated GPS models for hundreds of celestial targets, and a solar-viewing telescope in its observatory.
If you’re a research student, the HERCULES camera, an 8-grade megapixel CCD detector, and a filter wheel are available to help you research.
Address: 826 Huntington Place, Uniondale, New York 11553, USA
Also see our article on Abandoned Places in New York.
Planetariums in Brooklyn, New York
1. Hubble Planetarium
Edward R. Murrow High School is a renowned institute that offers operational sky theater to educate its students about earth science.
The Hubble Planetarium was opened in 1979 when Sam Storch, an astronomy teacher, curved a science classroom 490 into a regular planetarium.
Due to research into the expansion of the cosmos, the planetarium was named after Edwin P. Hubble rather than Newtown; after that, a telescope was named after him.
Serving many students in their astronomy elective and earth science classes, it also offers various unique exhibits and experiences.
While visiting this planetarium, you’ll have a great experience of realistic blue skies, and theatrical lighting chases due to its dome and new LED cove lighting.
But that’s not the end; its newly installed sound system will provide realistic tones and music through a programmable DVD player.
The staff and teachers encourage the students to explore all opportunities, including asking Astronaut Chris Cassidy a question and Sophia Suarez’s Class.
Be assured; you’ll discover something new whenever you visit as they discuss NASA’s missions and discoveries throughout the year, including MARS Science Lab.
Address: 1600 Avenue L, Brooklyn, New York 11230, USA
2. The Wagner College Planetarium
Wagner College has been using its planetarium for over 45 years to promote science and space education in the community.
Whether you’re here for educational programs, fun, discoveries about planets and the Universe, and looking for adventure-filled experiences, you’ll get it.
Explore this planetarium and experience a voyage through your cosmos, galaxies, stars, planets, and solar system, and look at how big this Universe is.
Hosting various school groups, boy and girl scout troops, and community groups, this planetarium offers different shows and exhibits.
Take your children to its Reach for the Stars program, and experience a way in which your kid can touch that star and give a wow reaction.
Observe the beautiful and mysterious night sky, and discover the wonders of the cosmos with its From Earth to the Universe show.
Available are many current shows, including Birth of Planet Earth, Two Small Pieces of Glass, Oasis in Space, and Perfect Little Planet, to feed your child.
Book your trip with your school or children and have the best time.
Address: Campus Rd, Staten Island, NY 10301, USA
Also see our article on Ghost Towns in New York.
Planetariums in Buffalo, New York
1. Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at SUNY Buffalo State University
Are you ready to visualize the night sky with Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium’s unique state-of-the-art projections and software?
Step into this Whitworth Planetarium and experience everything from viewings of constellations, stars, galaxies, and nebulae to visualizing far beyond.
Get a 360-degree immersive experience at its state-of-the-art, and explore the topics relative to science, theater, technology, space, communication, and history.
Escape the planetarium’s traditional use for space education and experience exciting things with the collaboration and help of teachers, staff, and students.
Moreover, you’ll find a seating capacity of 48 persons, a 35-foot dome, a Spitz SciDome and Zeiss ZKp4 optomechanical projector, a Chromacove LED system, a 5.1 stereo sound system, and an AVI SkyLase laser.
Explore its opportunities of viewing and discovering beyond the stars, and work with the staff and faculty to expand the planetarium’s benefits.
At Whitworth Planetarium, having no interest in astronomy is fine, as you can use the planetarium for animation and other projects for learning.
Plan your visit now, and enjoy a fantastic journey exploring the Universe.
Address: 1300-Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA
2. Williamsville Space Lab Planetarium
Serving as an astronomy lab in 1969, Williamsville Space Lab Planetarium has become a multimedia learning resource for everyone.
Whether you’re a school student, the general public, or a visitor from the Western New York, Williamsville Space Lab welcomes you and offers various programs.
The planetarium creates a hyper-realistic simulated night sky with its Spitz A5 mechanical star projector machine on its 30-foot diameter ceiling.
Using this star projector, they reproduce numerous celestial phenomena, including planetary motion, seasonal changes, moon phases, and constellations.
Sitting at this planetarium, you’ll discover a full projection through its six video projectors that cover the dome and provides immersive imagery.
Did you know that at a 2000-pixel diameter resolution, the dome is roofed with 3 million unique pixels?
Experience its SkyVision mode that brings the latest programming of planetariums to you worldwide and provides you with a high-quality surround system.
Never miss its SkyLase full-cover laser projection system that covers the full dome and allows you to watch its laser shows in Williamsville.
Schedule your visit, and experience 3D astronomical visualizations.
Address: 15-95 Hopkins Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221, USA
Also see our article on Small Towns in New York.
Planetariums in Syracuse, New York
1. Silverman Planetarium
You must have heard about the Museum of Science and Technology living in Syracuse, but do you know about its hidden gem, Silverman Planetarium?
Silverman features 50 seat capacity for visitors under its 24-foot diameter dome ceiling and uses Apollo Star Projector with a high-quality sound system.
Using its Apollo Star Projector, Silverman Planetarium hosts numerous educational programs and astronomy exhibits, providing a hyper-realistic visualization of the cosmos to educate and entertain visitors.
Available are many exciting presentations on astronomy, space science, and constellations for you.
Visualizing clear and realistic images of the Universe, planets, galaxies, and stars on the dome ceiling offers you a bring universe to the earth experience.
Rest assured, you’ll get a new planetarium show every time you visit, as it hosts many shows from Monday through Sunday.
In addition to the planetarium, you can discover unique and exciting things at the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) while waiting for the show.
Address: 500 South Franklin Street, Syracuse, New York 13202, USA
2. Dudley Observatory
Are you a science student looking for a place to get outreach programs to understand the wonders of science and astronomy?
Dudley Observatory is the place for you, which provides your concerns about the wonders of the cosmos, space science, and research.
Explore its educational programs, exhibits, and hands-on experiences related to your field of interest, and discover the world beyond your planet.
Benefit yourself from its available resources, including its long-standing efforts at astronomy history, artifact collection, and unique library.
Never miss its star of the show, Skywatch Line show, in which you’ll observe the moon in the first quarter glowing between the Sickle’s two stars.
You’ll observe the locations and magnitude of various stars and planets, including Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and bright star Capella.
Use your binoculars or a telescope or used provided by the Dudley staff to examine the top edge of Keystone.
Ensure to inquire about these stars from the experienced staff, as you can’t understand their location and magnitude.
Explore your Universe with Cosmic Adventures Lecture Series from Dr. Mindy Townsend, who will cover various astronomy topics.
Address: 515 Loudon Rd, Loudonville, NY 12211, USA
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