The Abrams Planetarium offers sensory friendly shows on the third Sunday of every month at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. These shows will run with the lights up,
the sound down, and the theater doors open so people can move about as needed. We
also provide a place to "chill out" in our lobby. All shows include a live star talk
about what is up in the sky that night. We will include a short break between the
main show and star talk. Information about what to expect during the show will be
provided when you check in.
Tickets & Pricing
Sensory friendly shows are free for all audiences! We're sorry, but sensory friendly show tickets are not available in advance. Ticket availability begins 30 minutes prior to showtime and are available at the front
door.
Season Schedule (Fall 2025 - Summer 2026)
The Abrams Planetarium sensory friendly show schedule for Fall 2025 through Summer
2026. Each show is approximately 60 minutes long; a 30 minute recorded portion followed
by a 30 minute live presentation of the current evening sky.
The Dark Matter Mystery
11:30 a.m.
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?
The Little Star That Could
1:00 p.m.
The story about an average yellow star on a search for planets of his own to warm
and protect. Along his way, he encounters other stars, learns what makes each star
special, and discovers that stars can combine to form clusters and galaxies. Eventually,
Little Star finds his planets, and each is introduced to audiences along with basic
information about the Solar System.
Supermassive Black Holes
11:30 a.m.
Leading scientists in observational and theoretical studies of black holes and galaxies,
industrial experts in cutting-edge big technologies, and professionals in science
dissemination have been brought together to set up research projects which will combine
the latest state-of-the-art observations, numerical simulations and innovative analytic
tools to compare theory with observation, and shed light on the physics of black hole
formation in the context of galaxy evolution. This planetarium show presents the environments
of the black holes in an impressive and understandable way to the audience.
We Are Stars
1:00 p.m.
What are we made of? Where did it all come from? Explore the secrets of our cosmic
chemistry, and our explosive origins. Connect life on Earth to the evolution of the
Universe by following the formation of Hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of Carbon,
and the molecules for life. Narrated by Andy Serkis.
Ice Worlds
11:30 a.m.
The delicate balance between ice, water and the existence of life has been a topic
of exploration and discovery in science for generations. In travels to the Arctic
and Antarctic regions of our planet, we'll examine the ecosystems that live and thrive
there and see how their survival is connected with our own. Beyond Earth, we'll see
how the existence of ice shapes the landscape and the natural systems on other planets
and moons in our solar system.
The Stellars
1:00 p.m.
Introducing THE STELLARS, a show designed with the youngest audiences in mind. The
show weaves important educational themes into a character-driven story. It is the
perfect blend of fun and learning, carefully crafted to spark the imagination and
curiosity of young kids. The characters even break the “fourth wall” several times
to directly engage with the audience about their ideas. The educational content of
the show explores the essentials necessary for plant growth, the diversity of Earth's
ecosystems, and the critical role of forests as habitats. It underscores our bond
with nature and our role in preserving it, along with the importance of the scientific
method in understanding our world.
Violent Universe
11:30 a.m.
The beauty of a starlit sky conceals the violent forces at work within our universe.
From the upheaval of a giant star that explodes to release its material into space,
to a future encounter between the Earth and a large asteroid that is too close for
comfort, we will witness the forces that hold the universe together and occasionally
try to rip it apart. Narrated by Patrick Stewart of Star Trek: The Next Generation
and the X-Men films.
The Zula Patrol: Under the Weather!
1:00 p.m.
The stalwart heroes of The Zula Patrol are on an expedition collecting samples of
weather for scientist Multo's research. When the Zula gang inadvertently hurts their
loyal pet Gorga's feelings, he decides to leave Zula and find another planet to live
on. Villain Dark Truder then tricks Gorga into helping with his latest nefarious scheme
to rule the universe. The Zula Patrollers find out and go after him-in the process
learning all about weather, both terrestrial and interplanetary. Based on the hit
TV series.
Parking
Available parking is dependent on the time of your visit:
Cars on Weekends or Weekdays after 6 p.m.
The lot directly across the street from the planetarium, Lot 41, is free and available
to park. This lot is not available to park in weekdays before 6pm.
Cars on Weekdays before 6 p.m.
The closest spot to park cars on weekdays is the ramp behind the planetarium, Lot
51. Use the entrances on North or South Shaw lane farther from the planetarium/closer
to the Law school to access the basement floors. These spots are metered. You can
pay, using your license plate number, on the MSU Spot On app or at the kiosks. If
those are full, Lot 39 or the Wharton Center, Lot 19, are the next closest lots.
For more information about Pay by Plate, please visit the MSU Parking Services website.
Virtual Tour
Visit - Learn - Discover MSU
Michigan State University is full of exciting places for your group to visit, learn,
and discover. Now you can find many of them in one spot, where over a dozen destinations are just waiting to be explored. Rediscover a favorite
or try something new!
