Frequently Asked Questions
Will the AstroDome Planetarium fit inside my classroom?
The AstroDome Planetarium will probably NOT fit inside your classroom because the dome is 3.7 metres (12 feet) high and that is higher than the ceiling in a typical classroom. For this reason, the planetarium is almost always setup inside the gymnasium.
The AstroDome Planetarium will probably NOT fit inside your classroom because the dome is 3.7 metres (12 feet) high and that is higher than the ceiling in a typical classroom. For this reason, the planetarium is almost always setup inside the gymnasium.
Does the planetarium have to be set up in the gym?
The AstroDome Planetarium requires a room with a high ceiling. The minimum height of the ceiling must be 3.7 metres (12 feet) and there should not be any light fixtures, sprinkler heads or ventilation ducts that come into contact with the planetarium. For this reason, the planetarium is almost always setup inside the gymnasium. However, in some schools, the library, drama room or band room meet these requirements and so the planetarium can be set up in these rooms.
If you are planning to have the AstroDome Planetarium set up somewhere other than the gymnasium, please be sure to measure the height of the ceiling and look for any light fixtures, sprinkler heads or ventilation ducts that may be in the way when the planetarium is inflated. For safety reasons, and to prevent accidental damage, the planetarium can not be set up if it is going to touch the ceiling, a light fixture, a sprinkler head or a ventilation duct.
The AstroDome Planetarium requires a room with a high ceiling. The minimum height of the ceiling must be 3.7 metres (12 feet) and there should not be any light fixtures, sprinkler heads or ventilation ducts that come into contact with the planetarium. For this reason, the planetarium is almost always setup inside the gymnasium. However, in some schools, the library, drama room or band room meet these requirements and so the planetarium can be set up in these rooms.
If you are planning to have the AstroDome Planetarium set up somewhere other than the gymnasium, please be sure to measure the height of the ceiling and look for any light fixtures, sprinkler heads or ventilation ducts that may be in the way when the planetarium is inflated. For safety reasons, and to prevent accidental damage, the planetarium can not be set up if it is going to touch the ceiling, a light fixture, a sprinkler head or a ventilation duct.
Can the AstroDome Planetarium be set up outside?
No, the AstroDome Planetarium is not designed to be set up outside due to the potential danger - to both the audience and the equipment - that could arise from a sudden gust of wind or unexpected inclement weather.
No, the AstroDome Planetarium is not designed to be set up outside due to the potential danger - to both the audience and the equipment - that could arise from a sudden gust of wind or unexpected inclement weather.
How long does it take to set up the planetarium?
It takes approximately 45 minutes to set up the AstroDome Planetarium. It will take even longer if unexpected delays occur. For example, the space that is intended for the planetarium has to be cleared of tables and chairs before the planetarium can be set up.
It takes approximately 45 minutes to set up the AstroDome Planetarium. It will take even longer if unexpected delays occur. For example, the space that is intended for the planetarium has to be cleared of tables and chairs before the planetarium can be set up.
We have basketball practice in the gym after school. How long does it take to pack up the planetarium?
It takes approximately 45 minutes to pack up the AstroDome Planetarium. You are welcome to use any portion of the gym that is not occupied by the planetarium, while the planetarium is being packed up.
It takes approximately 45 minutes to pack up the AstroDome Planetarium. You are welcome to use any portion of the gym that is not occupied by the planetarium, while the planetarium is being packed up.
My Grade 6 class only has 14 students. Will you bring the planetarium to my school?
Yes! However, the minimum charge (Admission Fee) for the day is equivalent to 25 students and so you may want to have another class go inside the planetarium as well, perhaps a kindergarten or Grade 9 class. Please see the pricing page for more details.
Yes! However, the minimum charge (Admission Fee) for the day is equivalent to 25 students and so you may want to have another class go inside the planetarium as well, perhaps a kindergarten or Grade 9 class. Please see the pricing page for more details.
The school programs are 60 minutes long, but our schedule consists of 50-minute periods. What can we do?
All of the school programs can be shortened somewhat to accommodate most school schedules. They can be shortened to 55 minutes, 50 minutes, or 45 minutes. Just let us know and we will make the appropriate adjustment. The cost of the shortened program will also be prorated accordingly. The minimum length of a school program is 45 minutes.
All of the school programs can be shortened somewhat to accommodate most school schedules. They can be shortened to 55 minutes, 50 minutes, or 45 minutes. Just let us know and we will make the appropriate adjustment. The cost of the shortened program will also be prorated accordingly. The minimum length of a school program is 45 minutes.
The full-dome shows are 40 minutes long and we can only fit 7 of them into our schedule, but we need to fit in 8 of them. What can we do?
The full-dome shows can be shortened to 35 minutes and so you can fit eight of them into your school day. Please note that full-dome shows can only be shortened by 5 minutes, unlike the school programs that can be shortened by up to 15 minutes. Also, the cost of a shortened full-dome show is NOT prorated, unlike the cost of a shortened school program.
The full-dome shows can be shortened to 35 minutes and so you can fit eight of them into your school day. Please note that full-dome shows can only be shortened by 5 minutes, unlike the school programs that can be shortened by up to 15 minutes. Also, the cost of a shortened full-dome show is NOT prorated, unlike the cost of a shortened school program.
Is the AstroDome Planetarium suitable for young children?
The AstroDome Planetarium offers a school program for young children entitled The Sky Tonight. In addition, there is also the full-dome show entitled One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure. Both of these are intended for children 4 to 6 years of age. All of the other school programs and full-dome shows are NOT intended for young children.
The AstroDome Planetarium offers a school program for young children entitled The Sky Tonight. In addition, there is also the full-dome show entitled One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure. Both of these are intended for children 4 to 6 years of age. All of the other school programs and full-dome shows are NOT intended for young children.
Are the planetarium programs and full-dome shows just for school groups?
No, the planetarium programs and full-dome shows offered inside the AstroDome are available to any organized group, such as sparks, brownies, guides, beavers, cubs, scouts, and 4H. Although school bookings are the most common, they are by no means the only bookings that are made. The AstroDome Planetarium is available for community events, corporate events, summer camps, and birthday parties. You can even book the planetarium for your next conference, trade show, festival, or family fun day.
No, the planetarium programs and full-dome shows offered inside the AstroDome are available to any organized group, such as sparks, brownies, guides, beavers, cubs, scouts, and 4H. Although school bookings are the most common, they are by no means the only bookings that are made. The AstroDome Planetarium is available for community events, corporate events, summer camps, and birthday parties. You can even book the planetarium for your next conference, trade show, festival, or family fun day.
How many programs can be done in a day?
The number of programs that can be conducted inside the AstroDome Planetarium each day is dependent on the length of the program. The maximum number of program minutes per day is 360 and so that could translate into as many as nine 40-minute programs or six 60-minute programs. The choice is up to you, but the maximum number of program minutes should not exceed 360 minutes.
The number of programs that can be conducted inside the AstroDome Planetarium each day is dependent on the length of the program. The maximum number of program minutes per day is 360 and so that could translate into as many as nine 40-minute programs or six 60-minute programs. The choice is up to you, but the maximum number of program minutes should not exceed 360 minutes.
Is there a fee to make a change to my booking?
Sometimes even the most carefully made plans need to be changed and that is why we offer you one free change to your current booking. However, subsequent changes will result in a $20 fee. The cancellation of a booking is not considered to be "a change" in your booking. Please see our cancellation policy, which appears below.
Sometimes even the most carefully made plans need to be changed and that is why we offer you one free change to your current booking. However, subsequent changes will result in a $20 fee. The cancellation of a booking is not considered to be "a change" in your booking. Please see our cancellation policy, which appears below.
What is your cancellation policy?
Bookings that are cancelled with seven or more days notice will incur a fee of $25. Bookings that are cancelled with less than seven days notice will incur a fee of $50.
Bookings that are cancelled with seven or more days notice will incur a fee of $25. Bookings that are cancelled with less than seven days notice will incur a fee of $50.
Do you offer laser light shows? I'd really like to see Laser Zeppelin, Laser Floyd, or Laser U2.
At this time, we do not offer any laser light shows.
At this time, we do not offer any laser light shows.
