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The Southern Skies Portable Planetarium and Space Science Museum brings the wonders of the universe to schools and organizations across Arkansas and the south central United States. With one of the largest and most advanced digital portable planetarium systems in the region, we offer an immersive experience that takes students on an unforgettable journey through the cosmos.
Our Space Science Museum features rare NASA memorabilia, astronaut autographs going back to Project Mercury, rocket models, soil samples from around the globe, minerals, meteorites, fossils, and much more. Your program can also include a large telescope, allowing students to explore celestial objects in the real sky.
To our knowledge, we are the only service in the region that combines a portable planetarium with a science museum in one dynamic program.
Latest News: New Name, Same Big Adventure!
For years, we’ve loved sharing the wonders of the universe as the Arkansas SkyDome Planetarium. As our mobile programs have continued to grow, they have increasingly taken us across state lines! To better reflect our expanding mission to bring high-quality space science to schools, libraries, and events across the entire southern region, we are officially changing our name to Southern Skies Planetarium! Don't worry—our team, our passion, and our out-of-this-world educational programming aren't changing. We’re just changing our name to better fit our commitment to bring the stars to even more communities across the Mid-South!
Announcing "Moonbase: The Next Step"
We are thrilled to unveil the headlining program for the upcoming school year at Southern Skies Planetarium: "Moonbase: The Next Step."
Last year, many of you joined us for "Forward: To the Moon," where we explored the inspiring goals of NASA’s Artemis Program and the renewed ambition to return humans to the lunar surface. As we look ahead to the new school year, it only felt natural to take that next giant leap with you.
If "Forward: To the Moon" was about the journey, "Moonbase: The Next Step" is about the destination.
The Story of a New Era
Since that historic day on July 21, 1969, humanity has dared to dream of more than just a footprint—we have dreamed of a home among the stars. After two decades of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station, we are ready to move farther into the solar system.
In the next ten years, that dream will become reality. We are heading back to the Moon to develop a sustained, strategic presence near the lunar South Pole. It will serve as our first "staging post," bringing Mars and the rest of our solar system tantalizingly closer.
What to Expect
"Moonbase: The Next Step" is an immersive exploration of this bold human endeavor. Designed specifically for the 360° Fulldome format, this show pushes the boundaries of science and technology. Students will:
- Experience the Hostile Frontier: Discover the science required to survive reduced gravity, extreme temperature fluctuations, and toxic lunar dust.
- Witness the Innovation: Learn how we plan to extract water and minerals, grow food, and build a permanent base in one of the most challenging environments imaginable.
- Share the Wonder: Experience the awe, danger, and trepidation of a mission that will define the next generation of space exploration.
Prepare your students for a breath-taking lunar experience that turns the science fiction of the past into the scientific reality of the future.
Teacher Professional Development
The Arkansas SkyDome Planetarium is now offering teacher professional development!!! We provide fun and inspirational training by bringing a state-of-the-art portable planetarium to your teachers. Our 3-hour immersive sessions are designed to re-ignite curiosity while fostering deep collaboration that help teachers create lesson plans for lasting impact on student outcomes.
School Planetarium Programs
Our portable planetarium and science exhibits transform any large indoor space into a star-filled learning environment for your students. In addition to professionally produced full-dome movies, our presentations feature live, grade-appropriate tours of the current night sky, inspiring students to explore the heavens on their own. Interactive exhibits encourage hands-on exploration of a wide range of science topics and STEM careers.
Math & Science Night
Make your Math and Science Night unforgettable by featuring our planetarium and telescope as the highlight of the evening’s activities. With experience in organizing successful science nights, we’re here to help guide you through the process, ensuring a fun and educational event for all.
Civic Groups - An Out of this World activity!
Looking for an Out-of-This-World Activity?Whether you're a library seeking a captivating summer program, a scout group aiming to help your scouts earn a space-related badge, a business looking for an unforgettable corporate event, a parent planning a birthday celebration for a future space explorer, or any civic group wanting to create a memorable evening for kids of all ages, we’ve got you covered! - Scout Groups - Library Programs - Civic Groups - Corporate Functions - Birthday Parties -
VBS / Church Youth Groups
"The heavens declare the glory of God." - Psalms 19:1 Studies tell us one of the reasons youth leave church is because of conflicts between faith and science. Using apologetics found in the Scriptures and the visual power of the planetarium we show students how nature and the Bible complement each other.
Programs Include:
One of the largest and most advanced digital portable planetarium systems in the region.
NASA, Space & earth science exhibits
Telescope to view the moon or the brightest planets and stars – even during the daytime!
Access to the same programming available in the largest planetariums in the world!
SkyDome Host with 30+ years of astronomy outreach education
Exploring Earth science exhibits with the SkyDome host.
Observing Venus in the daytime sky!
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A Future Of Possibilities!
An experience they'll never forget!
Our mission is to ignite students’ excitement for STEM by bringing this unique, immersive experience directly to them. We want to show them that science is thrilling and that they can be a part of its future!