Palomar College Planetarium Reopens for Friday Night Shows August 14 |
San Marcos planetarium welcomes the public back with “The Sky Tonight,” a full-dome journey through space and free telescope viewing |
The stars are coming back to San Marcos Friday nights. After its summer break, the Palomar College Planetarium will reopen to the public on Friday, August 14, bringing back its popular evening astronomy programs, full-dome presentations and outdoor telescope viewing. The reopening night will feature two separate shows: “The Sky Tonight” at 7 p.m. and “Faster Than Light” at 8:15 p.m.
For families, astronomy fans or anyone looking for something a little different to do on a Friday evening, the planetarium offers a chance to explore the night sky without leaving San Marcos.
A Tour of the Sky Above San Diego The evening begins at 7 p.m. with “The Sky Tonight,” the planetarium's live presentation exploring what visitors can currently see in the night sky.
Rather than being the same prerecorded program each week, the presentation takes guests through the current sky, including constellations, visible planets and other celestial objects and astronomy happenings.
Then at 8:15 p.m., the dome becomes the setting for “Faster Than Light,” the evening's full-dome feature. Palomar's digital planetarium system uses the entire overhead dome to create an immersive visual experience.
Each presentation lasts approximately an hour, with “The Sky Tonight” scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. and “Faster Than Light” running from 8:15 to 9 p.m.
Don't Forget the Telescopes The experience doesn't necessarily end inside the theater. Weather permitting, the planetarium sets up telescopes on its outdoor patio for visitors to get a closer look at objects in the sky. Telescope viewing is scheduled from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. and is free, even for visitors who don't purchase a ticket to one of the indoor shows.
That makes it an easy option for someone who simply wants to stop by and do a little stargazing.
Tickets and What to Know Before You Go Tickets for each indoor show are sold separately. General admission is $7 per show, while children ages 5–12, seniors 55 and older, military members and Palomar College students and staff with valid identification pay $5 per show. Children under 5 are not permitted inside the planetarium shows.
Advance tickets are recommended because shows can sell out. The planetarium also has a strict no late seating policy, so visitors should arrive with plenty of time before their presentation begins. The lobby and box office open at 6:15 p.m., with theater seating beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Free parking for Friday evening planetarium visitors is available in Lot 5. Palomar specifically recommends using the directions and parking information on the planetarium website rather than relying on Google navigation.
The Palomar College Planetarium is located at 1140 W. Mission Road in San Marcos.
For show information, parking details and advance tickets, visit the Palomar College Planetarium Public Shows page.
Questions About Palomar College Planetarium
When does the Palomar College Planetarium reopen?
What shows are playing August 14? “The Sky Tonight” begins at 7 p.m., followed by “Faster Than Light” at 8:15 p.m.
Is telescope viewing free?
Can young children attend?
Where is the Palomar College Planetarium? |
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went last summer, the Faster Than Light show is wild. Bring a jacket, a/c in there is strong.
Can't believe I never heard of this and I live 10 min away. Might finally learn some constellation names!
Is it wheelchair accessible? My mom wants to go but stairs are tough for her. Anyone know?
Sonia F.Yes, it is! There are ramps and accessible seating inside too. The staff was really helpful with my dad when we went last year.
Heads up: weather's been cloudy most nights lately. Fingers crossed for clear skies this Friday.
bummer that my 3 year old can't go inside but we'll still come for the telescopes outside. Free is great!
Parking in Lot 5 only? Hope it's enough spots especially if both shows sell out. That lot fills quick during the semester.
Palomar's dome is awesome, went a few years ago. The live show about the current sky was the best part for us.
just saw they're strict on late seating, so everyone be early! Nothing worse than missing the start of a show.
That price is pretty reasonable, wish more places around here did stuff like this. Going to try for tickets!
my kids will love this! We always look for something fun to do on Fridays. Thanks for the info.