The facility utilizes a dome 30 feet in diameter to create an immersive, hemispherical projection experience.
It is integrated into the infrastructure of Memorial High School, serving both student curriculum and the general public.
The theater uses a high-performance star projector capable of simulating the night sky as seen from any latitude on Earth.
Public programming often features seasonal sky tours that highlight constellations currently visible in the Madison night sky.
The MMSD Planetarium is a specialized educational facility operated by the Madison Metropolitan School District, located within Memorial High School. It features a Spitz 512 star projector, which displays thousands of stars, planets, and celestial phenomena on a 30-foot domed ceiling. The facility serves as a primary hub for K-12 astronomy education in the region while offering public show series throughout the school year. Programs are curated to align with current astronomical events, often featuring immersive full-dome video content. The planetarium provides a unique environment for learning about constellations, planetary motions, and deep-space exploration.
The entrance lobby featuring displays on astronomical history and current space missions.
Check the online schedule frequently as public shows follow the academic calendar.
Arrive early, as seating is typically on a first-come, first-served basis once doors open.
Dress in layers, as planetarium theaters are often kept at cooler temperatures to accommodate technical equipment.
Do not arrive exactly at the start time; late entry is often prohibited once the projection begins to protect the light-sensitive environment.
Closed during school holidays, winter break, and summer recess; public programs operate exclusively during the academic school year.
Maintain silence during the projection to ensure immersion; refrain from using mobile devices as light disrupts night-vision adjustment.
