Museum open today 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Beyond the Sun: In Search of a New Earth / Live Sky Tour

As Celeste is fighting off sleep while reading a book on astronomy, she receives an unexpected visit from Moon. Together, they enjoy a journey through the Universe to discover what exoplanets are and how they can be detected. On their trip they observe rogue planets, oceanic worlds, and super-earths. Moon tells her about exoplanet hunters, who observe the sky in search of earthlike worlds. Many adventures are yet to come. But first, she needs some rest. Celeste drops off to sleep waiting for the next visit of Moon.

A live sky tour follows the program, featuring constellations, planets, the moon, and other items of interest currently visible in the sky, with tips for finding your way around in the heavens on the next clear night, and stories about the stars.

open captioning available Open Captioning Available

Show Times

August 3rd through September 1st:

Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m.

Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.

Saturdays at 1:30 p.m.

Venue

The Faulkner Planetarium, Idaho's largest domed theater, features the latest in fulldome technology, capable of virtually transporting audiences around the world and to the universe's far-flung reaches. The theater can seat 144. Open captioning for the hearing impaired is available upon request for many programs.

What's Showing Now Directions

readers choice award for best planetarium 2025 herrett center #10

Available for K-12 and Group Reservations

Celeste is a curious girl, and with the help of her new friend Moon, she is about to learn about
exoplanets (planets that orbit other stars). Moon also teaches her how astronomers can detect
these planets, measure their size, and sense their surface conditions. Moon explains to Celeste
what a planet must be like in order to have the possibility of life.

Book This Show

You can schedule a private showing for school field trips or private events!

Private Event School Field Trip

Educational Concepts

  • Brief overview of solar system
  • Other stars have planets (exoplanets)
  • Transit method of planetary detection
  • Radial velocity method of planetary detection
  • Conditions on other planets
  • Requirements for life
  • Light pollution
  • Search for planets that are Earth like

Suggested Grades

3rd through 5th