Public Planetarium Shows

Skies Over Georgia
Skies Over Georgia

Featuring a live presenter and using the planetarium’s digital and optical star projectors to their fullest, this traditional star show allows audiences to explore the heavens as they appear above the mountains of North Georgia. Learn how to identify the planets and stars currently visible in the night sky, take a guided tour of the constellations and hear some of their fascinating stories. Appropriate for general audiences.

March 31 at 8 p.m.
July 7 at 8 p.m.

Earth, Moon, & Sun
Earth, Moon, & Sun

Explore the relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun with the help of Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American traditions. Learn why the Sun rises and sets and the basics of solar energy. Examine the Moon’s orbit, craters, phases and eclipses. Appropriate for children and families.

July 7 at 7 p.m.

Let it Snow
Let it Snow*

A Holiday Music Journey
This family friendly show with modern visuals features a variety of holiday classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee and includes a stunning multimedia finale by the Tran-Siberian orchestra. The merry soundtrack is visually enhanced with artistic animation and full-dome holiday scenery, making it a fun and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.

December 2 at 7 p.m.
December 9 at 7 p.m.

 

 

Season of Light
Season of Light

A Special Holiday Presentation
The perennial holiday favorite is a show about the coldest and darkest of seasons—a time which holds some of the warmest and brightest celebrations of the year. Narrated by NPR’s Noah Adams, the show explores the traditions surrounding some of the worlds most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season—from the burning Yule log and the lighting of luminaries, to sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows. The program also explores possible astronomical explanations for the Star of Bethlehem. Come and celebrate the season through the wonder of the planetarium’s star-filled sky.

December 2 at 8 p.m.
December 9 at 8 p.m.

Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity
Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity

There’s a place from which nothing escapes, not even light—where time and space literally come to an end. It is at this point, inside this fantastic riddle, that black holes exert their sway over the cosmos and our imaginations. This exciting full-dome production, narrated by Academy-Award nominated actor Liam Neeson, brings the current science of black holes to the dome screen. Zip through wormholes, witness the collision giant of galaxies and experience a simulated flight to a supermassive black hole lurking at the center of our own Milky Way Galaxy. Cutting-edge science and Einstein’s theories fill in holes along the way, providing the most complete picture yet of this mysterious phenomenon. Can you feel the pull?

January 20 at 8 p.m.
January 27 at 8 p.m.

Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope
Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope

Two Small-Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope
Four hundred years ago, Galileo’s simple adjustment to a child’s spy glass revealed for the first time an infinite and perplexing universe to our eyes and imaginations. Join us today, as the worlds greatest telescopes gaze ever further into the distant past –and into our future. Produced to engage and appeal to audiences of all ages, this full-dome odyssey traces the history of the telescope since its invention, set to an exhilarating soundtrack recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra. From the moons of Jupiter to the rings of Saturn and the structure of galaxies, explore how telescopes have helped us to understand our place in space and how they continue to expand our understanding of the cosmos.

February 10 at 8 p.m.
February 24 at 8 p.m.
March 17 at 8 p.m.

Phantom of the Universe: The Hunt for Dark Matter
Phantom of the Universe: The Hunt for Dark Matter

From the journey of protons racing through the world’s largest particle collider to close up views of the Big Bang, this full-dome show is designed to immerse audiences in the search for dark matter. The first hints of its existence are revealed through the eyes of the scientist who coined the term “dark matter.” Then we plummet deep underground to see the most sensitive dark matter detector on Earth, housed in a former gold mine. From there, we journey across space and time, speeding alongside particles as they collide in spectacular explosions of light, learning how scientists around the world are collaborating to tract down the nature of dark matter. Narrated by Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton.

May 26 at 8 p.m.
June 9 at 8 p.m.
June 30 at 8 p.m.
July 14 at 8 p.m.
 

Rock the Dome
Rock the Dome*

With a mix of rock selections from the late 60s through the 90s “Rock the Dome” features vignettes of the sights and sounds that symbolize the evolution of rock history. Full-dome high resolution computer animation is used to paint the planetarium dome, sending the audience whirling on animated flights through space and more, immersed in spinning abstract art, and transported through imaginative tunnels—all set to classic rock music from The Doors, Hendrix, CCR, Metallica, Zepplin, Pink Floyd and more!

April 14 at 7 p.m.
April 14 at 8 p.m.
April 28 at 7 p.m.
April 28 at 8 p.m.

The Zula Patrol: Under the Weather
The Zula Patrol: Under the Weather

Take a rollercoaster ride across the universe with the lovable, wacky cast of alien characters from the award-winning TV series, The Zula Patrol, while learning about astronomy and weather. Ride along with the Zula Patrol as they try to save the solar system’s weather from interplanetary villain, Dark Truder. Appropriate for children and families.

March 31 at 7 p.m.
June 9 at 7 p.m.

Observatory Open House
Observatory Open House

On these special evenings, the Young Harris College Observatory is open to the public for telescopic viewing, if skies are clear and weather permitting. The observatory features a 14-inch telescope and is located around 1.5 miles from campus at Twiggs Overlook on the exit road leading from Brasstown Valley Resort. Maps will be available at the planetarium. Observing sessions last up to one hour. Please note: Limited parking; no shuttle service; no restroom facilities; uphill walk from parking area.

March 31 at 9 p.m.
July 7 at 9 p.m.

O. Wayne Rollins Planetarium

O. Wayne Rollins Planetarium features shows for the general public on selected Friday evenings. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for best seats. No late seating is permitted. Public planetarium shows, with the exception of Cosmic Concerts, include a live-narrated “seasonal stargazing” segment in addition to the featured full-dome program.

Admission: $5 adults • $3 students per show
Free with YHC ID
Follow the links below to purchase tickets in advance. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door 30 minutes prior to each show.

*Cosmic Concerts are non-astronomy programs containing loud music, flashing lights, spinning stars and other effects that some may find disruptive. They are not recommended for those who may have conditions that could be aggravated by this experience.