If you’ve ever dreamed of stargazing without leaving the city, the UMD Alworth Planetarium has you covered. This week, they’re inviting the public to explore the cosmos from the comfort of their immersive dome theater.

“One of the beautiful things about the planetarium is it is a dome ceiling that completely surrounds you,” said Jessica Rogers, director of the planetarium. “You get a full 360 experience… it’s like you’re surrounded by it.”

The planetarium offers public shows every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evening from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring a wide variety of themes—from astronomy and Earth science to cultural astronomy. Shows typically last about an hour, split between a pre-recorded feature and a live tour of that evening’s night sky.

“You will always get some experience of kind of learning what constellations and stars are up that night,” Rogers explained.

Admission is affordable, with tickets priced at $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 3–12, seniors (60+), and UMD students with ID. Children under 2 are free.

This summer, visitors can look forward to seven or eight brand new shows, offering fresh experiences even for regular attendees. For Rogers, Friday nights stand out. “Our Friday shows are a lot of fun because they are live guided,” she said. “That allows us to answer questions and have interactions with people—I think that just is a unique experience.”

For showtimes, trailers, and updates, visit the Alworth Planetarium website or follow them on social media.