Abrams Planetarium offers a variety of single-visit instructional programs dealing with astronomical topics for a variety of age groups. Multiple-visit sequences can also be arranged for groups desiring a more classroom-integrated experience. Descriptions of the shows offered can be found by clicking on the pull down menu found above or by clicking here. We look forward to your visit.
Programs are available Tuesdays through Fridays at 9:30 A.M., 11 A.M., and 1:30 P.M. by reservation only. Other dates and times may be available by special arrangement at a higher cost, please call us for details. The planetarium program requires approximately one hour, plus 15 minutes for check-in, restroom use, etc. Groups arriving late may not be admitted.
For group reservations or additional information call the planetarium at (517) 355-4676 weekdays, 9:00 A.M. to noon or 1 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. only. Reservations are only taken by phone. It is best to make reservations at least one month in advance. Each lesson is adapted to the individual grade level, so only adjacent grade levels may take a specific lesson at the same time. If you have specific needs, or would like to customize the star talk portion of the show, give us a call; we may be able to accommodate your requests. By appointment only, teachers may preview a show ahead of time, please call us to arrange a time. Changes to any reservation can only be made by calling our business office during regular business hours.
The cost for the single hour-long program is $3.00 per student. For a 2-program sequence the fee is $5.25 per student. For a 3-program sequence the fee is $7.50 per student. (3-program sequences involve 3 shows viewed over multiple visits, not 3 shows during a single trip.) Evening and weekend rates are higher. Call for further information.
Supervising teachers and official classroom staff are admitted free with each show. Other adults are welcome to attend at the student admission rate. Groups of less than twenty will be required to pay a $60 minimum.
Payment for the shows are to be made at arrival. Checks, credit cards, or cash are accepted.
Click here to see find the programs that the Abrams Planetarium has to offer.
We can offer:
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The fee is $60/half hour of programming.
To book or ask any questions, call us at 517-355-4676 (we are not always in the building so you may need to leave a message and we will get back to you) or you can email us at abrams@msu.edu.
Private Shows are available for $5.00 per person with a $100 minimum charge for less than 20 people ($80 for Members). You can choose any show in our library. All shows last about an hour and include a live star talk about what is up in the night sky. To book please call us at (517) 355-4676 or email abrams@msu.edu with 3 choices of date and time, the show you would like to book, and the number of people coming. A minimum of one weeks notice is needed before the requested reservation day, please contact us for more information.
Weekends and weekdays after 6:00 pm free parking is available in the lot directly across the street from Abrams Planetarium (Lot 41). Weekdays from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm public parking for the planetarium is limited. Busses and other marked vehicles may park directly in front of the planetarium, in the bus loading zone while their presentation is being given. Passes are also available for up to six vehicles for the bus loading zone on a first come basis, if busses are not using the area. On weekdays the closest public parking to the planetarium is in the parking ramp directly behind the building (Shaw Lane Parking Ramp, Ramp 1/Lot 51). Public parking is in the basement sublevels and is Pay by Plate. For more information about Pay by Plate, please visit to the MSU Parking Services website.
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How our shows align with current science standards.