Planetarium Shows

Dates: January 7, 8, 9, 10 (times vary). Check the calendar.

Recommended: ages 9 and below accompanied by an adult

Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.

The stalwart heroes of The Zula Patrol are on an expedition collecting samples of weather for Multo’s research – using their loyal pet Gorga’s ability to collect and bottle all kinds of weather. When one member of The Zula Patrol inadvertently hurts Gorga’s feelings, he decides to leave Zula and find a planet in the Solar System on which to live. Interplanetary villain Dark Truder, along with his talking toupee, Traxie, takes advantage of the situation to trick Gorga into helping him take the weather from the Solar System planets – part of this latest nefarious scheme to rule the Universe (and find the legendary Kaboobie Ruby). The Zula Patrol discovers Dark Truder’s plan and goes after him – discovering all about weather in the process, both terrestrial and interplanetary.

Dates: January 14, 15, 16, 17 (times vary). Check the calendar.

Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.

Explore the evening sky and meet a friendly owl who spins a tale of the winter constellation Orion. Presented in dazzling laser lights, this is an exciting and often humorous version of the classic Greek legend of Orion.

Dates: January 21, 22, 23, 24 (times vary). Check the calendar.

Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.

Take off on a lunar adventure with a curious stowaway cat! A delightful cartoon feature for children of all ages!

Dates: January 28, 29, 30, 31 (times vary). Check the calendar.

Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.

The sky at night holds fascination for people of all ages. Join us in the Abbitt Planetarium for a look into the night sky and a fascinating retelling one of the classic Greek legends surrounding the constellations that can be found there. Perseus, one of the greatest heroes of Greek mythology, rescued the Ethiopian princess Andromeda from the sea monster. Children and adults alike will enjoy this delightful program.

Dates: Daily January 2 – February 1 . Check the calendar.

Times: 12:30 pm

Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.

The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut?

Astronaut, the latest immersive planetarium show to be created by the National Space Center, takes you from Earth into space… and beyond.

Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. 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 ‘Chad’, our test astronaut, to everything that space has to throw at him.

Presented in stunning high definition 360 degree Full dome video and explosive surround sound, Astronaut is an experience like nothing on Earth.

Ongoing:days and times vary. Check the calendar.

Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.

Explore the role played by astronomy in the journey to and survival in the New World. Hear from the colonists themselves. Learn the dangers and the tools used to navigate across the Atlantic.

Ongoing:days and times vary. Check the calendar.

Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.

Explore the evening skies above Virginia in this classic planetarium presentation. A staff astronomer will discuss seasonal constellations as well as any planets visible. Additional topics may be explored depending on celestial happenings around the time of your visit.