Our StarLab portable planetarium is a fun way to learn about the stars. Enter the giant silver dome
and explore celestial bodies with one of our many star shows led by museum staff. Each show runs
approximately 35 to 45 minutes and is most appropriate for children 6 and older who can sit quietly
for the duration of the show and not be frightened by the dark.

Show Times:
Call the Museum for scheduled shows (508) 539-8788.

Bringing the planetarium to your school or group
Our StarLab portable planetarium can accommodate up to 30 children and is great for schools,
scouts, and other groups. We bring the show to you and can offer several celestial programs.
The cost of the program is $75 at the museum, and $100 if we bring the StarLab to your location.
Subsequent shows at the same location are $75. Special school rates are available!

Logistics
  • In order to accommodate the StarLab in your facility, you must have a minimum cleared floor
    space of 20 x 21 feet and a minimum ceiling height of 11 feet. The floor must be swept clean
    prior to set-up and must be wood, tile, or carpet.
  • Approximately 30 minutes is required to unpack and set up the Star Lab.
  • Shows last from 35 to 45 minutes. Extra activities will last up to 20 minutes.
  • The StarLab holds approximately 25 children.

In the Night Sky: An introduction to basic astronomy. Children discover what the night sky looks like
in the area where they live. They will learn the importance of the North Star and how to use the stars
for direction and navigation. They will also explore some of the myths behind certain constellations.

Create a Constellation: This activity allows children to develop their imagination and their creative
writing skills. Children will explore how myths were created, learn legends and lore, and have the
opportunity to create their own constellations as they learn about the stars.

Mythology: This program expands children’s knowledge learned In the Night Sky. During this
presentation students will view the constellations as they were depicted by ancient Greeks and
listen to the myths that were created for them.

The Big Dipper: This presentation is an extension of the Night Sky program. The students discover
various legends that different cultures created about the Big Dipper and will discover the connection
between the Big Dipper and the Underground Railroad.

Signs of the Zodiac: During this presentation, the children will explore the legends behind the
constellations in the Zodiac belt and will also hear the myths behind astrologers’ belief of zodiac
personalities. Students enjoy hearing whether they fit the zodiac personalities and traits.

AncestralSky: This program introduces children to the sky from an Ancestral perspective.
The students discover the importance the stars played in the life of Ancestral cultures and will
learn how our ancestors used the stars for direction and as a calendar. A sampling of Ancestral
lore will be shared with participants.


 The Out of this World Planetarium Party