Alabama’s science centers and university observatories bring the stars closer to home with regular planetarium shows, school programs, and special events. From casual family visits to curriculum-linked field trips, these venues make astronomy approachable across the state.
There are 8 Planetariums in Alabama, ranging from Christenberry Planetarium to W. A. Gayle Planetarium. For each one, you’ll find below City,Dome diameter (m),Typical admission (USD).
How much do planetarium tickets in Alabama usually cost?
Typical single-show admission is modest—often around $3–$12 for general tickets—with lower rates for children, students, or seniors and occasional discounts for members. Specialty shows (laser, seasonal events) can cost more, so check each venue’s current pricing and schedule before you go.
Can I bring a school group or book a private show at these planetariums?
Yes—most sites offer school field trips, group rates, and private bookings; capacity and available programs depend on the dome size and facility. Contact the planetarium in advance to reserve, ask about curriculum options, accessibility, and fees; the entries below list City,Dome diameter (m),Typical admission (USD) to help you choose.
Planetariums in Alabama
| Name | City | Dome diameter (m) | Typical admission (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| W. A. Gayle Planetarium | Montgomery | 15.24 | 7.50 |
| INTUITIVE Planetarium | Huntsville | 20.7 | 12 |
| University of North Alabama Planetarium | Florence | 11.9 | 0 |
| Christenberry Planetarium | Birmingham | 10 | 0 |
| James W. Calhoun Planetarium | Decatur | 9.1 | 0 |
| UA Gallalee Hall Planetarium | Tuscaloosa | 12.2 | 0 |
| Rauch Memorial Planetarium | Jacksonville | 12.2 | 5 |
| VBAS Planetarium | Huntsville | 6.4 | 0 |
Images and Descriptions
W. A. Gayle Planetarium
Located in Montgomery’s Oak Park and operated by Troy University, this is one of the largest planetariums in the state. It features a Super Mediaglobe II digital system and offers public shows exploring space and science.
INTUITIVE Planetarium
Inside the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, this state-of-the-art facility boasts an 8K digital system for stunningly realistic shows. As one of the most advanced in the Southeast, it offers a variety of educational and cinematic experiences.
University of North Alabama Planetarium
Found on the UNA campus, this planetarium offers free public shows on select evenings. It’s a fantastic community resource for the Shoals area, utilizing both a classic starball and a modern digital projection system.
Christenberry Planetarium
Hosted at Samford University, the Christenberry Planetarium provides free public shows on scheduled dates throughout the year. It uses a high-precision GOTO Chronos star projector to create a beautifully crisp and accurate night sky.
James W. Calhoun Planetarium
Part of Calhoun Community College, this recently upgraded digital planetarium serves as a great educational asset for North Alabama. It offers free public programs that bring the universe to life for audiences of all ages.
UA Gallalee Hall Planetarium
Located on the University of Alabama campus, this planetarium offers free public shows on select evenings. Programs are run by the Department of Physics and Astronomy and are often followed by rooftop telescope viewing sessions.
Rauch Memorial Planetarium
Situated on the Jacksonville State University campus, the Rauch Planetarium has been serving the Northeast Alabama community for decades. It offers affordable public shows on Friday nights, making it a great family-friendly outing.
VBAS Planetarium
Operated by the Von Braun Astronomical Society in Monte Sano State Park, this intimate dome offers free shows every Saturday night. The volunteer-run presentations are often paired with live stargazing through the society’s powerful telescopes.
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