Space Science
Night Sky Update May 8-16, 2026
McDonnell Planetarium
Admission
Free + Paid
Age Range
All Ages
Location
McDonnell Planetarium
Subjects
Aviation & Flight, Engineering, Physics, Space Science, Technology
On this page
The McDonnell Planetarium will reopen Summer 2026
Progress Report
March – April
We’re back again with another update on the upgrade project within the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. These new updates come after 25+ years with the reliable technology of the ZEISS UNIVERSARIUM Mark IX which provided stellar Star Shows, Laser Shows and many other forms of fun and educational opportunities for guests of all ages. With time, new advancements in planetarium technology have enabled us to upgrade and soon become the largest and most advanced hybrid planetarium in the United States via the GOTO Chiron III Hybrid Star Projector and Cosm Digistar Full-Dome Data Visualization System.
Get inspired to look up.
For over 60 years, the iconic James S. McDonnell Planetarium has been the place in St. Louis for all things space.
Connected via the Sky Bridge over Interstate-64, the Planetarium Campus in Forest Park contains three floors of attractions dedicated to the wonders of space, aviation, and spaceflight.
Relax under the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere, see space history first-hand with our genuine space capsules, and have your every question about the universe answered by one of our Planetarium educators.
What’s happening at the McDonnell Planetarium
PLANETARIUM GALLERIES
As the World Turns
Learn about geospatial data and St. Louis’ rich geospatial history in the Planetarium’s newest exhibit: As the World Turns. Located in the Planetarium’s lobby, the exhibit is anchored by the 8-foot-tall Rand McNally® Geophysical Earth Globe. Guests can interact with near-real-time satellite images and explore applications of geospatial data. Then, explore mapping projections and how the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC), one of the National Geospatial Agency’s (NGA) legacy organizations, mapped the Earth and moon to aid NASA in the Space Race and humanity’s “giant leap.”
Geospatial technology is related to collecting, processing and analyzing data associated with location. Identified as a next-generation sector in Greater STL, Inc.’s 2030 Jobs Plan, the report stated, “Applications for geospatial intelligence reach across all types of industries (e.g., precision agriculture, e-commerce, financial services) and potentially hold solutions to challenges ranging from food insecurity and climate change to pandemic prevention and global terrorism.”
Liftoff Gallery
The McDonnell Planetarium is home to two genuine space capsules from the 1960’s. See Mercury 19 and Gemini 3A up close!
All Mercury and Gemini space capsules were built in St. Louis by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. Learn how St. Louis became humanity’s gateway to the Moon!
The Liftoff Gallery is located on the 1st floor of the Planetarium.
Mission: Mars
Step into Mission: Mars, where you’ll uncover what it takes for astronauts to thrive on Earth’s closest planetary neighbor.
This gallery is also home to a REAL Martian meteorite – an actual piece of Mars that guests can touch!
Mission: Mars is located on the first floor of the Planetarium.
Boeing Space Station and Star Bridge
Star Show audiences have the remaining time after their program to explore the Boeing Space Station and Star Bridge exhibits surrounding the Orthwein StarBay.
The Space Station exhibits immerse visitors in what it would be like to live and work in space. Additional exhibits feature our meteorite collection and imagery from the Hubble Space Telescope.
The Boeing Space Station exhibits are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Planetarium. A Star Show ticket is required for access.
Experience Flight
St. Louis is steeped in the history of flight. Our three simulators allow you to “experience flight” for yourself!
Experience Flight Simulators are located in the Planetarium tunnel.
Planetarium Grounds
The grounds surrounding the iconic McDonnell Planetarium are beautiful to explore all year long. Take a stroll around the distinctive hyperbolic paraboloid and you will encounter everything from a real F/A-18B fighter jet to dinosaurs!
Have a space question?
Reach out to our educators to connect your curiosity with space!
Astronomy Facts of the Week
Posted weekly on Monday
Learn something new about space and astronomy every day! Uncover more about the moons, stars, planets and history of how we’ve learned about our universe.
Night Sky Update
Posted weekly
Discover what’s up in the St. Louis sky each week from our Planetarium astronomers!
Illumination Requests
The exterior of the Planetarium is illuminated nightly for all to enjoy. This illumination has helped raise awareness for charities and organizations through special lighting requests.
Membership
Love the Planetarium? Become a Science Center member to enjoy free Star Shows every time you visit and unlock a year of exclusive benefits just for members.
Plus, members help support the Science Center and our mission to make science learning open to everyone.
Accessibility
Elevators and ramps serve all public areas of the McDonnell Planetarium.
Planetarium Star Shows rely heavily on live, spoken narration. Sign language interpreters or Communication Access Realtime Transcription (CART) can be provided with advanced notice. Please contact the reservations department to request accommodation prior to scheduling your visit.
We also offer hearing assist devices for Planetarium star shows. When ordering tickets, please let your reservationist know you’re interested in a hearing assist device, or see a Planetarium team member before your program begins.
The Liftoff gallery offers tactile models of the Mercury and Gemini spacecraft, as well as models of the Planetarium’s StarBay and building exterior. The models of the Mercury and Gemini spacecraft and StarBay feature large print and braille materials for visitors thanks to a generous grant from Lighthouse for the Blind Saint Louis.
