When you visit the Golden Pond Planetarium, you will enjoy a variety of entertaining and educational programs presented with our NEW SkyExplorer Digital Planetarium Software combined with 2k Hi-Resolution Laser Projection system which displays stunning, realistic images on the 40-foot dome of the theater.
Friends of Land Between the Lakes provides qualified interpreters at the Planetarium who supplement the automated presentations with live, personal interactions with the audience. “Tonight’s Sky Live” is a live presentation which allows visitors to learn about planets, stars, and constellations in the night sky of the coming evening. Planetarium shows are offered daily. Check our program calendar on this page to learn more and plan your visit!
A Planetarium can recreate the night sky, using special equipment, from anywhere in the world without the issues of dust and other forms of pollution, cloud cover, or light pollution. Our 360 degree, surround-sound, 40-foot domed theater has controlled temperature — cool in summer and warm in winter — and very comfortable high back seats. Surround sound helps to add to your experience. It’s conveniently located in our Visitor Center.
Our NEW projection system provides the best rendering capacities and delivers the most realistic image quality for an immersive experience throughout the domed theater. Learn more about our new projection system.
Most of our shows are about 40 minutes. Subjects relate to astronomy and re-create celestial effects. Some of the shows share information based upon earth science subjects including weather phenomena and other topics. Due to safety concerns, there is no admittance into shows once doors close.
Check out our schedule of events (downloadable schedule above and calendar below) to plan your visits. The Planetarium offers a place to inspire the next generation of explorers by igniting their imagination and making them wonder why…the first step of discovery.
Take advantage of regularly scheduled shows or call 270-924-2020 to schedule a specific presentation for your group. Programs of sky observation at the Observatory can also be scheduled.
All of our programs correlate with Kentucky and Tennessee educational standards. The Golden Pond Planetarium now serves as a NASA Educator Resource Center. Contact us at 270-924-2243 about how you can receive educational materials provided by NASA.
Popular laser light shows begin the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and entertain visitors and local residents through the end of the year.
At the Observatory you will look through our computerized, Meade 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope to view the wonders of the universe. We also have a special telescope made for safe viewing of the sun.
During our summer Star Parties, we provide small telescopes for visitors to look through. Star Parties are held Memorial through Labor Day weekends. For improved knowledge before you go out to observe, we recommend watching Planetarium program presented in conjunction with the Star Parties. Star Parties are free to visitors; pay our regular admission fee to view the special Planetarium Show.
Friends of Land Between the Lakes partners with the West Kentucky Amateur Astronomers to bring this robust astronomy program to our visitors and local residents. The Observatory is open selected Saturdays throughout the year. The current schedule may be viewed at www.WKAA.net.
Observatory activities are weather dependent. Call 270-924-2237, if the weather is questionable.
