Planetarium

Explore science, space and the universe without leaving your seat

Planetarium View

View our schedule and purchase tickets for upcoming shows!

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Welcome to the CPCCo Planetarium!

The CPCCo Planetarium at CBC provides high-definition images and sound using the most state-of-the-art projection system in the Pacific Northwest. The 36-foot panoramic viewing dome can simulate a 3-D effect without the need for strange glasses!

The Planetarium opened to the public in December of 2012 and is intended to help share the wonder of science, technology and the universe with our community. In the first ten years of operation, the Planetarium has hosted more than 147,000 visitors, over 44% of which were a mix of preK through high school students. Along with a ChromaCove LED dome lighting system, the Planetarium uses Digistar 7 software and a top-of-the-line 4K projection system to display lifelike images on a hemispherical projection surface with Nanoseam construction.

A typical hour-long show consists of a live presentation and a fulldome movie. Presentation topics may include solar system or constellation tours, what is visible in the current night sky, and astronomy in the news.

Tickets for all planetarium public shows MUST be reserved online prior to each event.

Purchase Tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

Our public shows run on the first and third Fridays at 7 pm, and on the second and fourth Saturdays at 2 pm. Private event rentals and field trips can be scheduled upon request. Please email us for more info!

 

Yes, you must purchase your tickets online in advance, which will guarantee you a seat for that show! Please either print out your tickets at home, or show proof of purchase to our ticket agent at the door on your mobile device.

At this time, we will not be offering ticket purchases at the door. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Purchase tickets!

Doors will open about half an hour before show time. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes prior to show time so you can choose your seats!

For the safety of our seated patrons, no one is allowed in the Planetarium once the show has started.

To ensure you are seated when the presentation begins, please arrive early. If you arrive after the show has begun, you may use your ticket for a future public show with seating availability.

Our calendar includes film listings for public events, special events like movie nights, as well as guest speakers!

Planetarium calendar

We currently have 19 films in our library, all covering various topics in science! From black holes to stars, from plants and trees to the cells in your body, our films cover a wide variety of STEM topics. You can always find descriptions of the upcoming movies offered in our calendar!

Planetarium calendar

The Planetarium is located in the D-building on CBC's Pasco campus and most easily accessed from Argent Road via Farm Road. Accessible parking is available in the lot to the north of the facility.

Pasco Campus Map

Yes! The Planetarium is an indoor theater with a large, curved screen suspended above the audience. Our projectors cast images of the night sky and fulldome films onto the ceiling, and our show operators guide patrons on a tour of the cosmos. At our observatory, you can observe the actual night sky through our 16-inch telescope housed in the Robert & Elisabeth Moore Observatory.

Learn more!

 

  CPCCo Logo
  HAPO Logo

Plan Your Visit!

Tickets and memberships can be purchased in advance online. Please plan to arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the show to ensure you will be able to be seated. For the safety of our seated guests, no one is allowed inside the Planetarium once the show begins.

 

Ticket Prices

Children (Ages 0 to 5)*

FREE**

Youth (Ages 6 to 12)*

$5

Adults (Ages 13 to 59)

$10

Seniors (Ages 60+)

$8

CBC faculty/staff (with current ID)

$5

CBC students (with current quarter ID)

FREE**

 

Purchase tickets!  

 


 

Annual Memberships (unlimited visits**)

Family

(Includes two adults and up to four children age 12 and under)     

 $175
Individual  $50

 

 *All children 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times

**Special showings may include additional costs

 

Purchase a membership!

 


 

Private Events

Rent the Planetarium for your club or office meeting, birthday party, merit badge training or other special event!

First hour (up to 96 guests)  $350 
Additional hour in theater $100
Additional hour in lobby $50

Special discounted rates may be available for certain groups; please email us for more information.

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Field Trips

Teachers--we love to host your students at the Planetarium! Hour-long visits to the Planetarium can be scheduled for school groups, Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Your affiliation with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction determines any possible rental fees.

 

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Planetarium Building on Pasco Campus