Barlow Planetarium - Menasha, Wisconsin

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See the Stars at the Barlow Planetarium, adults and children alike will enjoy a day spent at the Barlow Planetarium located in the University of Wisconsin. You can see the stars in a state-of-the-art setting. Or perhaps you know a child that would love to attend a space camp and run their own planetarium show or launch their own rocket.

The Barlow Planetarium boasts a forty-eight foot projection dome, and seats up to ninety-eight people, including those in wheelchairs. You’ll feel like you’re sitting outside amongst the stars as you view the projections in 3-D. If you’re the type that wants to get involved, and really dig in to the process, you can use the interactive keypads that are found at each seat with the state-of-the art equipment that is found here.

Special shows are shown throughout the year, including some that are just for children, like “Many Stars, Many Stories.” This is created for children 8 and older, and includes stories and tales of the stars in the Milky Way that they see every night. “JAZZ Fantasia” is an all ages laser show that has you viewing your nighttime sky along with the sounds of the greatest jazz artists of all time, such as Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong. “Eight Mysteries of the March Sky” explains some of the greatest mysteries of space as it puts you virtually in a seat on the Space Shuttle Endeavor. Comet enthusiasts will enjoy “Comet Hunting In The June Sky” that explains the “hairy stars”, including ones recently found. And rock music lovers will enjoy laser shows put to the music of The Doors, Outkast, Pink Floyd, and Nirvana.

Children in grades 4 through 8 can join the Wisconsin Space Academy for a week-long half-day summer camp. They’ll learn about astronomy and rocketry, and by the end of the week, they’ll be presenting their own planetarium show and launching their own self-made rockets. The “cadets” will work in the laboratory, at the launch pad, and also at the planetarium. Information on dates and pricing can be found through the Barlow Planetarium.

Gift certificates are available for purchase, and make great gifts for your favorite astronomy lover. For another unique gift, the planetarium offers a Buy-A-Star program. For a $25 donation to the planetarium, the gift will include a star that the planetarium has reserved just for them. The recipient will be able to name the star, and the star’s name, along with their own name, will be entered into the planetarium’s permanent database.

For Barlow Planetarium astronomy shows and matinee laser shows, entrance fees are $6.50 for a single feature for adults, and $11.00 for a double feature. Children pay $4.50 and $8.00 respectively, with both age groups paying $3.00 for a third show. For the rock laser shows, the prices are $7.50 for a single feature for adults, and $13.00 for a double feature. Children pay $6.50 and $12.00 respectively, with both age groups paying $3.00 for a third show.