*New format for 2026!* Planetarium Nights: 7 p.m. Show: The Dark Matter Mystery

Due to a scheduling conflict, this Planetarium Night will be hosted on January 22.

Get ready to launch into a whole new planetarium experience in 2026! Enjoy a brighter, bolder, more visual planetarium with a movie-style format, complete with a short intro and time to pick our brains after the show. Be sure to check out these cinematic, recorded adventures that are truly out of this world at your next Planetarium Night.

Tonight's Galactic Adventure:  The Dark Matter Mystery - Exploring a Cosmic Secret

What keeps Galaxies together? What are the building blocks of the Universe? What makes the Universe look the way it looks today? Researchers all around the world try to answer these questions. We know today that approximately a quarter of the Universe is filled with a mysterious glue: Dark Matter. We know that it is out there. But we have no idea what it is made out of. This planetarium show takes you on the biggest quest of contemporary astrophysics. You will see why we know that Dark Matter exists, and how this search is one of the most challenging and exciting searches science has to offer. Join the scientists on their hunt for Dark Matter with experiments in space and deep underground. Will they be able to solve the Dark Matter Mystery?

Our Planetarium is an inflatable dome. Guests sit on cushions on the floor of the planetarium to view the show. Space is limited; purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended for this reason. On Planetarium Night, please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled showing. In case of no-shows/late shows: reserved spots will be released at show time to make space for the next party.

Shows begin at 6 and 7 pm and last approximately 35-45 minutes, plus a few minutes for a brief introduction and time after each show to answer any questions.

Don't miss the preshow, included with your reservation! Our planetarium preshow begins at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. show and 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. During, your family can discover and learn about various space explorations, space facts, and more from our local experts at the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association.

Seating is limited and very popular. We encourage purchasing your tickets in advance, as this is a first come, first served event. Please call 850-664-1261, stop by the Science Center, or use our online ticketing option to purchase your tickets.

Our planetarium is sponsored by FPL

Pricing:

Nonmember: $12 Adult | $12 Senior | $12 Child

Members: Free for active members

Cancellation & Refund Policy: 

Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance of the event date will incur a 10% administrative fee. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the event will incur a 30% administrative fee. Guests who do not attend the event will not receive a refund after the event has occurred.