Planetarium Talking Astronomy Special Shows People Objects Sky

A "planetarium" is a special theater with a "domed" (rounded) roof. Most planetariums are in museums and are used to present shows about astronomy, or just to teach people the names of objects in the "night sky" (the sky as it is seen at nighttime). Most planetarium shows let people see how objects move across the sky over time. They use a combination of special lights, "lasers" (electronic beams of light), videos, music, and "narration" (a voice explaining what is happening or what one is seeing).

There are many planetariums throughout the United States. Here is a list of four of the most "notable" (noteworthy) ones.

The Samuel Oschin Planetarium at the Griffith "Observatory" (a place where one can view outer space through photographs) is in Los Angeles, California. It was "renovated" (improved and substantially rebuilt) in 2006 and its 75-foot dome is one of the largest. It uses "state-of-the-art" (very modern; high-tech) technology in its shows.

Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Illinois was "founded" (created) in 1930 and is the oldest planetarium. It has two domes: one "remains" (continues to be) very similar to the original planetarium dome, and the other uses newer digital technology.

Hayden Planetarium in New York City is not just a dome, but a "sphere" (globe; a three-dimensional circle). The top half of the sphere "serves as" (is used as) a traditional dome for planetarium shows. The bottom half of the sphere has a program called "The Big Bang Theater."

Finally, Morehead Planetarium at the University of North Carolina is the first planetarium that was built on a college "campus" (the land and buildings owned by a university). It is "open to the public," meaning that anyone can go there - not just students and "faculty" (teachers; professors).