For a real treat you can't get anywhere else in Reno, try going to a movie at the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center in Reno. Feature films in the Star Theater are shown in SkyDome 8/70™ large-format. If you haven't seen a movie like this, you'll be amazed. It isn't as huge as IMAX, but I think it gives you more of a feeling of being right in the middle of the action.
Even though the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center opened way back in 1964, technology has been kept up-to-date. You'll enjoy a Spitz SciDome digital projector capable of producing brilliant shows and 3-D images.
Admission and Free Exhibits at the Fleischmann Planetarium
Tickets for all movies and star shows are $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors 60 and over. Admission is free for Planetarium members. If you plan on seeing several films and star shows a year, Planetarium membership can save you money.
Admission to the Planetarium Exhibit Hall and science store is free. Exhibits are changed on a periodic basis, but there is always something interesting. Exhibits In Perspective include Meteorites - Rocks from Space, Perceptual Relativity, large models of Earth and the Moon, the International Space Station, and a Foucault Pendulum demonstrating the Earth's rotation. The Planetarium's lower level includes the Art/Space Gallery of artwork with some type of astronomy theme, NASA featured projects, Amazing Space, and View Space (also called the Hubble Gallery), a program of news and research findings from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland.
Winter 2013 Shows at the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center
Here are the feature films and star shows playing from January 11 through March 21, 2013. To confirm that movies and shows are on schedule, call the showtime hotline at (775) 784-4811. Discounts may be available for admission to the second show in a daily double feature. Call the Fleishmann Planetarium at (775) 784-4812 for details.
Ice Worlds is the featured SkyDome 8/70 large-format film. In celebration of the International Polar Year, Ice Worlds is a spectacular exploration of icebergs in the Arctic, massive glaciers, the Antarctic wilderness and more. Showing with Ice Worlds is Cosmic Safari, a film of discovery about what creatures might look like on worlds very different from our own. This is a search for life on undiscovered planets where scientific theory is transformed into exotic environs with fantastic fauna never before imagined. Admission includes both movies.
Showtimes - Daily at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Additional showings on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 12 noon.
Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens - It's one of the most beautiful and magnificent planets in the solar system. And now, using sophisticated spacecraft, scientists have been able to reach out to this ringed planet. Thanks to new scientific findings, this film presents Saturn and its moons, rings and exotic secrets in the latest 3-D technology, filling the entire planetarium dome (no 3-D glasses required). Showing with Saturn is Starlight Express, providing a short overview presentation of current space news that changes monthly. Admission includes both films.
Showtimes - Daily at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. Additional showings Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.
Attack of the Space Pirates - With amazing sound effects by Skywalker Sound, the Starship Intrepid travels through hyperspace to supergiant stars, rogue planets, a black hole and more. You and its crew will put real science into science fiction and solve numerous challenges along the way. It's a race against time to find an alien technology first, while defending against the attack of the space pirates.
Showtimes - Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at 11 a.m.
Live SkyTonight Star Talk reveals what's happening in the sky tonight with the help of guest astronomers using state of the art equipment. You'll then get to do some free viewing through telescopes (weather permitting), courtesy of the Astronomical Society of Nevada.
Showtimes: First Friday of each month at 6 p.m.
Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon is a full-dome music and light show by Starlight Productions®. The legendary rock masterpiece presented in a stunning, immersive HD animation of color and mind-blowing surround-sound. (Note: Contains mature lyrics and themes.)
Showtimes - Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Telescope Viewing at the MacLean Observatory - The Fleischmann Planetarium now hosts free telescope viewing every Friday after dark (weather permitting) at the MacLean Observatory on the UNR Redfield Campus, assisted by the Astronomical Society of Nevada. The MacLean Observatory on UNR's Redfield Campus, 18600 Wedge Parkway in south Reno, off the Mount Rose Highway. Call (775) 784-4812 before coming for the current status and more information. Parking is free at the Redfield Campus.
Viewing times are every Friday - January and February, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. March, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. April and May, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
How to Get to the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center
The Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center is at the north end of the UNR campus at 1650 N. Virginia St. in Reno. You can't miss the unusual building. There is free parking for Planetarium visitors in the West Stadium Parking Complex, level 3.
Winter 2012 / 2013 Hours at the Fleischmann Planetarium
- Monday through Thursday - 12 noon to 7 p.m.
- Friday - 12 noon to 9 p.m.
- Saturday - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sundays and holidays - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Source: Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center press release.
