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

Violent Universe: Catastrophes of the Cosmos / Live Sky Tour

Few things appear more peaceful than a quiet, starry sky. Year after year, the same stars return, apparently inhabiting a tranquil and unchanging universe. Yet terrific, unseen forces shape the cosmos: galaxies collide; supernova explosions rip stars apart, blasting deadly gamma rays across space; black holes in the hearts of galaxies devour whole stars; asteroids and comets streak past, occasionally crashing into Earth and catastrophically disrupting its ecosystems.

In reality, the universe is a violent and dangerous place. What dangers lurk out there, and how safe is our planet?

After the show, a live show presenter takes you on a tour of the current night sky, including tips for locating the planets, how to find constellations, and ancient myths about the stars.

Show Times

No public show times currently scheduled.

Available for booking for school groups.

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

Few things appear more peaceful than a quiet, starry sky. Yet, terrific, unseen forces shape the cosmos: galaxies collide, supernova explosions rip stars apart, black holes in the hearts of galaxies devour whole stars, and asteroids and comets streak earthward.

Book This Show

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

Private Event School Field Trip

Educational Concepts

  • Violent forces of the cosmos
  • Galactic collisions
  • Galactic dust clouds
  • Supernovae
  • Black holes
  • Meteors
  • Meteor showers and storms
  • Comet/asteroid/planetary collisions
  • Cratering
  • Gamma ray bursts
  • The Milky Way's central black hole

Suggested Grades

4th through 12th+