6-12 School Groups

We are currently offering six different educational shows and one entertainment show for this age group. Details about each of the shows are given below. With these shows the students will also be given the opportunity to ask questions and see a view of the current night sky where constellations, stars and planets will be shown. The total show will last about 45 minutes but plan an hour for seating and visiting the gift shop. This is a field trip that should not be missed. The price for the show is $3 per person and the Planetarium has 87 seats. A single check for the whole group is preferred and can be made out to TAMU-Commerce Planetarium. Shows can be presented any time from 8 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday . The planetarium also has a gift shop with assorted souvenirs and fun items to remember your trip by.

Invaders of Mars

The invaders have landed, join us as we study the Martian surface as seen by Earth’s various spacecraft “invaders.” We will explore the great chasms, canyons and volcanoes, descend amid the ice of a Martian polar cap and be buffeted by swirling dust devils. Blinded by the planet-wide storms which engulf this world from time to time we emerge to discover a whole new world which is the red planet Mars.
View Trailer (QuickTime)

Mystery of the Christmas Star

The Mystery of the Christmas Star is one of our most popular shows of the year.

The Mystery of the Christmas star explores the historical significance of the Biblical story of this brilliant star that led the Wise Men in their journey to the baby Jesus. You will be immersed in spectacular images while this show offers a scientific view of what the star of Bethlehem may have been. The planetarium is a perfect place to study this because of its ability to exactly reproduce the skies as seen
from Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.
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Destination Saturn

The planet Saturn has long been considered the crown jewel of the solar system, a symbol of all that is exotic and wonderful about the universe.
This summer a robot emissary named Cassini-Huygens will be our eyes and ears a billion miles from the sun - the first spacecraft ever to orbit the ringed planet. Come experience a three-dimensional discovery of one of the most unique planetary families of our solar system, from its bizarre moons with mysterious features, to the millions of icy particles that compose the enigmatic rings Destination Saturn is a show you will not want to miss.

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Origin of Life

Origins of Life deals with some of the most profound questions of life science: the origin of life and the human search for life beyond Earth. Starting with the big bang, the show explores prebiotic chemistry in the universe, the formation of stars, formation of solar systems, and the first life on Earth. Furthermore, Origins of Life covers the great extinctions as well as our search for (primitive) life beyond planet Earth. Origins of Life is a motivational journey through time and a celebration of life on Earth. It features many recent discoveries related to life science, demonstrating that if there was ever a time that science made its greatest advances, it would be right now!

View Trailer (QuickTime)
Note: recommended for grade 6 +

Extreme Planets

For centuries, humanity has wondered whether we are alone in the Universe. Now, we are finally one step closer to knowing the answer. With the discovery in 1995 of the first planet orbiting another star, we now know that planets are not unique to our own Solar System. In fact, these "extrasolar" planets now appear to be quite common.

No one has yet found an Earth-like world with conditions similar to ours, but it now seems only a matter of time. And as the quest for extrasolar planets continues, the possibility exists that one day we might find life elsewhere in the Universe, born in the light of another sun. Join us in the adventure as we explore Extreme Planets.
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Dawn of the Space Age

Re-live the excitement of the early days of space exploration, from the launch of the first artificial satellite Sputnik, through the magnificent lunar landings and on to current manned and unmanned voyages. Be immersed and overwhelmed with this accurate historic reconstruction of Man’s first steps beyond the confines of Earth. This planetarium show recreates the adventures and modern explorers that took part in these death-defying endeavors. You will also witness their drive, their passion, and their perseverance to explore. This spectacular show will make you feel as if you were there with them, reliving a piece of history.
Demo

It's About Time

It’s About Time takes you on a trip to the not to distant future where travel into space is aboard elevators instead of rockets. A 30,000 km elevator ride takes you from Africa to a geosynchronous space station orbiting high overhead. While at the space station you will gaze through a special telescope which sees things as they are now instead of in the distant past as we currently see them. Through this telescope you will be able to watch the Big Bang, see distant galaxies and witness the birth and death of a star. The show concludes with an exciting ride back to earth in order to escape lethal particles coming from a solar flare. This show is a very fun and educational journey for all.
View Trailer (QuickTime)

Astronaut

What does it take to become an astronaut? Join us as we experience a rocket launch from inside the human body. Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. Discover the perils that lurk in space as we subject our test astronaut, Chad, to everything space has to offer.
Educational Guide

S.E.T.I.

S.E.T.I. - The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence - is a show that explores the prospect that we may not be alone in the universe. What might aliens actually be like, is there a possibility that UFOs have been visiting? Join us on a journey among the planets orbiting stars other than our sun. What is the feasibility of travel to these distant stars? Explore the various methods that scientists are using to get in touch. Will we make contact in our lifetimes? Come see for yourself.
Educational Guide
View Trailer (QuickTime)

Seven Wonders

Join us as we travel back in time to explore the Seven Wonders of the world. In Ancient Egypt, we will visit the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Great Pyramids then to Persia to view the Mausoleum, to Babylon to be awed by the fabled Hanging Gardens. The journey will continue to Greece to tour the Temples of Zeus and Artemis, and then to Rhodes to stand in the shadow of the towering Colossus. We will investigate the theories of how these wonders were created and get a glimpse of some of the universe’s greatest wonders. Seven Wonders is a show not to be missed.
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Ultimate Universe

From the boundaries of space and time, through vast fields of wondrous galaxies, to the majesty of our Solar System, this show takes you on a grand tour of the universe and lets you experience its most captivating secrets.
View Trailer (QuickTime)

Big

One of mankind’s most profound mysteries is “How big is the universe?” This show explores this question through a fun adventure that takes you from the Earth to the edges of the known universe and back.
Educational Guide
View Trailer (Windows Media)

Black Holes

Black holes are the strangest objects in the universe and have been a fascination to mankind for nearly 100 years. Come and explore these strange phenomena and take a breath taking fanciful tour into a black hole.
Educational Guide - Nasa Documentation
View Trailer (Windows Media)

Rock Hall of Fame

If you are looking for a wild ride and thrill a minute entertainment, this show is for you. Stunning visuals are synchronized to the rhythm of some of your favorite classic rock songs. Truly a feast for both the eyes and ears. If you are interested, just one song can be played after an educational show or for those with more time, 40 minutes of rocking entertainment can be had. If you would like to see both an educational show and this fun filled show there is a special combined price of $5 per person. This is a $1 saving off the usual $3 per person per show ticket price.
View Trailer (Windows Media)