Children's Museum & Science Center at the Imperial Centre

Cummins Planetarium

Now Showing | Coming Soon | Tar River Astronomy Club

ABOUT THE PLANETARIUM

Planetarium Shows are presented in the Cummins Planetarium, North Carolina's first digital space theater, located at the at the Rocky Mount Children's Museum & Science Center. Planetarium admission is $4.00 per person in addition to Museum admission.

The complete planetarium package from Spitz, Inc. includes a 30-foot diameter Premium Seam dome, fulldome projection system with real time Starry Night^TM Dome software, ATM-4 automation system with portable Nomad controller, fully programmable LEDCove lighting, sound system, auxiliary video system, laser display system, seats and shows. The new planetarium seats 56 visitors and offers a wide selection of day and evening programming.

The SciDome projection system allows playback of compelling, pre-rendered fulldome video programs, as well as live and recorded sky tours, as well as exciting laser light concert shows. The entire known universe is accessible to explore using the new planetarium.

NOW SHOWING

Planetarium Shows
Planetarium Shows are presented in the Museum's state-of-the-art Cummins Planetarium. Planetarium admission is $4.00 per person and discounts are applied with paid museum admission. Public Planetarium Shows from January through April 2012 include the following:

One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
Explore the night sky with your favorite friends from Sesame Street! Follow along with Big Bird, Elmo and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, as they take you on a journey of discovery to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun and the Moon. (For ages 7 and under.)

The Cowboy Astronomer
During an evening around a campfire, cowboy storyteller Baxter Black weaves tall tales and star legends while guiding us through the night sky. Learn about constellations, star formation, supernovae, galaxies and clusters as we discover why cowboys are the ranchers of the universe. (For ages 7 and up.)

Astronaut
The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey, to become an astronaut? This amazing and immersive planetarium show, narrated by Ewan McGregor, takes us from the Earth into space and beyond. (For ages 7 and up.)

Passport to the Universe
Fly beneath the rings of Saturn, into the heart of the Orion Nebula and beyond the edge of the Milky Way in this unforgettable voyage spanning billions of light-years. Actor and space enthusiast Tom Hanks, narrates this unprecedented virtual tour of the cosmos. (For ages 7 and up.)

Seasonal Stargazing
This tour of the current night sky is included as a mini-presentation which accompanies Astronaut and Passport to the Universe. Learn the names of more bright stars and constellations in just a few minutes than many people do in a lifetime! (Included with planetarium admission.)

Laser Light Shows
Musical laser light shows in the Cummins Planetarium feature a variety of artists and musical styles interpreted through the visual wizardry of 3D laser graphics. Admission is $4.00 per person and discounts are applied with paid museum admission.

Laser Michael Jackson
Musical selections from the Planetarium’s most popular laser light show include Bad, Beat It, Thriller, The Way You Make Me Feel, Don’t Stop and more! (January 2012)

Laser Motown
Eye-popping laser graphics bring to light the music of Motown artists including Diana Ross, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops and more! (February 2012)

Laser Beatles
Charming animation and psychedelic laser visuals celebrate the musical phenomenon that included John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Return to a more innocent time with tracks including Help!, get Back, Yesterday and Strawberry Fields. (March 2012)

Laser Floyd
Pink Floyd’s groundbreaking album, Dark Side of the Moon provides what is arguably the definitive soundtrack for a planetarium laser show. Sit back and take in the remarkably progressive sounds of Time, Money, Us and Them, the Great Gig in the Sky and others. (April 2012)

Weekly Schedule: January 21 - April 29, 2012

* Laser Shows change each month. See descriptions above or call for the current title.