Elon is a hamster scientist who lives in a dump yard. He tries to fit in with the local rats but nobody takes him seriously. One day Elon hears a crash. In his garden he finds a crater and a damaged robot inside. And that’s how Elon’s great adventure starts. 3-2-1 Liftoff! is an adventurous animated film about the courage and wits you need to get to space and back. Suitable for all ages, recommended 4+. Free for Starlight Explorer passes.

The effects of global climate change are being felt across the globe. Planet-mapping satellites show us what is happening now - and what is still to come. Using stunning, latest-generation imagery from space, Atlas of a Changing Earth takes viewers into the dynamic processes causing coastal glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica to melt, and explores how rising seas could threaten coastlines the world over. These striking new images are produced by the confluence of satellites and supercomputers, revealing Earth in a degree of precise detail scarcely imagined a generation ago. Aimed at age 10+. Free for Starlight Explorer passes.

Birth of Planet Earth tells the twisted tale of our planet’s origins. Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with other planetary systems, including up to a billion planets roughly the size of our own. The film employs advanced, data-driven, cinematic-quality visualisations to explore some of the greatest questions in science today: How did Earth become a living planet in the wake of our solar system’s violent birth? What does its history tell us about our chances of finding other worlds that are truly Earth-like? Narrated by Richard Dormer Produced by Spitz Creative Media, NCSA’s Advanced Visualization Lab, Thomas Lucas Productions, Inc., in association with Tellus Science Museum. Free for Starlight Explorer passes Aimed at age 10+

Black holes once defied imagination. They’re one of the most intriguing and mysterious phenomena in the universe: places where time and space warp to the extreme, and nothing – not even light – can escape. Narrated by Liam Neeson, Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity brings the current science of black holes to the dome screen. Bookings essential. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for shows. Late entry into the planetarium is not possible once the show has started. Free for Starlight Explorer passes. Rated G. Aimed at age 10+.

Dr. Ellie Arroway, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of extraterrestrial intelligence, sending plans for a mysterious machine. Starring Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey. Directed by Robert Zemeckis.

From pterosaurs to paragliding — a full-speed flight through history! Take to the skies and discover the origins of flight. It’s a learning adventure of a father and his teenage daughter Lucy, who share a fascination for all things that fly. You’ll travel back in time to meet the pterosaurs and the ancestors of modern-day birds: the feathered dinosaurs. Lucy and her father navigate from continent to continent, looking for clues about the origins of flight. When time runs out, they experience first-hand the cataclysmic “last day” of the dinosaurs. Science topics include continental drift, proper motion of stars, asteroids and impacts, extinctions and the convergent development of flight among species. Bookings essential. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for shows. Late entry into the planetarium is not possible once the show has started. Aimed at age 4-9 years. Rated G. Free for Starlight Explorer passes

Double feature fun! On a fascinating and immersive journey, We Are Aliens seeks to find the evidence of alien life in our galaxy. The latest research into this fast evolving area of science is explored with input from UK scientists. Then find out what are we made of and where it all came from in We Are Stars. See the evolution of the universe by following the formation of hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of carbon, and the molecules for life. Bookings essential. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for shows. Late entry into the planetarium is not possible once the show has started. Recommended family viewing 8+

Do you know what an astronomer does? ‘We Are Astronomers’ reveals the global collaboration, technology and dedication required to answer the unresolved questions of the universe. See how technologies such as the Large Hadron Collider, the observatories of Chile and the Hubble Space Telescope work and how they are used by teams around the world in this entertaining planetarium show. Then set out to find answers to the 'big questions' about our universe in ‘We Are Aliens’ On a fascinating and immersive journey, the show seeks to find the evidence of alien life in our galaxy. The latest research into this fast evolving area of science is explored with input from UK scientists. Both shows provide visually stunning tours of contemporary astronomy using beautiful 360° full dome imagery. Bookings essential. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for shows. Late entry into the planetarium is not possible once the show has started.

A rescue crew is tasked with investigating the mysterious reappearance of a spaceship that had been lost for seven years. Starring Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, Kathleen Quinlan. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson.

This show is the perfect reminder of just how much more is out there. This live and interactive planetarium show takes you on an exploratory journey across our solar system from the comfort of your seat. Take a trip through our cosmic neighbourhood - from the unbearable heat of Venus, to the dark, distant solitude of the outer planets. Stopping at each of the planets in our solar system, this presentation gives a special up-close exploration of Mars, which some humans may see with their own eyes in our lifetime. Bookings essential. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for shows. Late entry into the planetarium is not possible once the show has started. Free for Starlight Explorer passes.

An alien race destroys major cities of the world with their advanced weaponry. However, a geek, a pilot, the US President and a group of ragtag survivors unite to save mankind from annihilation. Directed by Roland Emmerich. Starring Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell.

Kids shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to see the stars above Auckland simply because their bedtime is too early. Ignite a wonder of the night sky in your young ones with this indoor live planetarium tour of the planets, stars and constellations visible above Auckland on the day of your visit. This is the children's version of the popular Our Sky Tonight show, and is suitable for age 5+. Bookings essential. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for shows. Late entry into the planetarium is not possible once the show has started. Free for Starlight Explorer passes.

Earth is invaded by Martians with unbeatable weapons and a cruel sense of humour. Directed by Tim Burton. Starring Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening.

In the future, criminals are caught before the crimes they commit. But when one of the officers in the special unit is accused of one such crime, he must set out to prove his innocence. Directed by Steven Spielberg, adapted from Philip K. Dick's short story, and starring Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, and Samantha Morton.

A mysterious force knocks the moon from its orbit and sends it hurtling on a collision course toward Earth. Directed by Roland Emmerich. Starring Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley.

Nau mai haere mai ki te whare whetū! Join us in the 360-degree planetarium theatre every Tuesday night for a live presenter-led show on Māori astronomy. Ngā Wāhanga o te Tau: Takurua (Seasons of the Year: Winter) expands beyond Matariki, to other bodies visible in the winter sky. This show is a great introduction to Māori astronomy and the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). Get to know the whetū (stars) of takurua (winter), and how they inform the way we interact with the taiao (natural environment). Recommended for ages 10+ | 50 mins

One Sky is a collection of six short beautiful planetarium films about constellations, astronomical instruments and scientific knowledge from various cultures around the world. Each short film is presented in an original and engaging way with its own artistic style featuring the work of international artists. From the earliest days, people around the world have looked to the heavens for navigation, time-keeping, and a sense of shared identity. Modern audiences can benefit from learning how celestial knowledge has helped people live in this world for millennia, reach new lands, and treasure the cultural importance of a shared sky.

Connect with the cosmos like never before in our flagship live planetarium experience, Our Sky Tonight. Join one of our expert astronomers as they take you on a guided tour of the stars, constellations and stories that play out each night above us. From the comfort of our immersive digital planetarium, you'll explore the changing night sky above Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and far beyond. Suitable for ages 10+ (For under ten years, we recommend our family-friendly version of this show: Looking Up). Bookings essential. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for planetarium shows. Late entry may not be possible once the show has started. Free entry for Starlight Explorer members.

Greetings Earthlings! In Perfect Little Planet, a family from another star system is looking for the perfect holiday spot as they travel through our solar system. This show is followed by an immersive full-dome presentation on the night sky. Total time of show plus presentation is 50 minutes. Bookings essential. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for shows. Late entry into the planetarium is not possible once the show has started. Aimed at ages 5-9. Rated G. Free for Starlight Explorer passes.

AUCKLAND EVENT ONLY - Please note, this event takes place at Stardome Observatory and Planetarium, Auckland. Please check carefully before booking tickets if you are not in Auckland. Pink Floyd’s iconic album ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’, originally released in March 1973, turns 50, and what more fitting place to experience it than in Auckland's planetarium, with the music set to visuals. With the help of modern technology, the show combines breath-taking views of the solar system and beyond, played out to 42 minutes of The Dark Side of the Moon in surround sound. Each song has a different theme; some futuristic and some a retro acknowledgment to Pink Floyd’s visual history, all relating to a time and space experience. This is a truly immersive and all-encompassing surround sound and visual treat that will transcend reality and take you way beyond the realms of 2D experience. NSC Creative led the visual production efforts, working closely with Pink Floyd’s long time creative collaborator Aubrey Powell from Hipgnosis. Viewer discretion is advised due to the explicit nature of some lyrics. Recommended for age 14+. Please be advised: this show may also cause motion sickness.

Stardome's quiet hour offers a low-sensory environment tailored to accommodate individuals with autism or sensory and neurodiversity needs. During these sessions, we modify both our planetarium and broader gallery spaces to provide a gentler sensory experience, including: - A guided planetarium session exploring the night sky, led by a presenter - Reduced volume levels - Soft ambient lighting, with planetarium doors remaining open throughout the show - A breakout space Spaces are also strictly limited to 20 visitors per session. Carers go free. If you have any additional accessibility requirements or questions, please contact Stardome directly.

Our story takes place far in the future with an Earth on the verge of environmental collapse. Billionaire Warren Trout thinks he can make a fortune colonising the rest of the solar system and sends space pilot Jack Larson to find out where. But there’s one thing he didn’t count on – Ashley, Trout’s daughter, has stowed away on board the ship and has her own ideas. Bookings essential. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for shows. Late entry into the planetarium is not possible once the show has started. Aimed at ages 4-6. Rated G. Free for Starlight Explorer passes.

A troubled psychologist is sent to investigate the crew of an isolated research station orbiting a bizarre planet.

Come and join us for Starry Storytime at Stardome! These are fun and relaxed parent and baby sessions where we will be reading Flit the Fantail and the Matariki Map together. You can also enjoy getting up and doing some mindful movements and having a little sing-song, before heading into the planetarium for a show! Free for under 3yrs

Follow the adventures of Cy and Annie and their dog Armstrong as they embark on an unexpected journey into space! Explore the Earth, Sun and Moon system, follow an asteroid as it crashes into the moon, see a solar storm and gain a new appreciation of our home planet. Bookings essential. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for shows. Late entry into the planetarium is not possible once the show has started. Recommended for ages 3-6. Free for Starlight Explorer passes.

Ngā Tohunga Whakatere - The Navigators is a family-friendly animated show that tells the story of Māori, Pasifika and later, European navigation towards Aotearoa through the eyes of a young girl, Moko. Moko dreams of becoming a master star navigator like her koro Jack. Journey with Moko as she gains knowledge and understanding of Māori, Pasifika and European voyaging traditions and realises how skilled her tūpuna had to be to travel the largest ocean on Earth.   This show is followed by an immersive full-dome presentation on the night sky. Total time of show plus presentation is 50 minutes. Free for Starlight Explorer passes.

In the distant future where humans have abandoned Earth because it has become covered with rubbish, a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of humankind. Directed by Andrew Stanton.

AUCKLAND EVENT ONLY - Please note, this event takes place at Stardome Observatory and Planetarium, Auckland. Please check carefully before booking tickets if you are not in Auckland. Created by leading contemporary artist Jess Johnson and director Simon Ward in partnership with Tūhura Otago Museum, XYZZY is an immersive art-based planetarium screening like no other. Developed through a decade of creative work, Johnson’s hand-drawn compositions are transformed by Ward into an animated web of flesh mandalas, self-replicating architecture, undulating worms, hallucinogenic patterns, and messianic alien deities. The dynamic visual atmosphere is charged with 90s-inspired electronic synthesiser tracks from musicians Andrew Clarke, Luke Rowell, Stef Animal and Lachlan Anderson. Sound design by Lachlan Anderson and mixed by immersive sound artist and film score engineer, Graham Kennedy. Jess Johnson and Simon Ward are internationally known and have exhibited in Hong Kong, Edinburgh, Montreal, Tokyo, and New York. Recommended ages 14+, parental supervision required. This show features strobing effects - some visitors may experience mild motion sickness

Viewings through the Zeiss telescope are on Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting. On a clear night you can expect to see four or five deep-space objects, accompanied by engaging commentary from one of our team of astronomy experts. An unforgettable experience for ages 14 years and over. Sessions run for approximately 1 hour. If your visit is unable to go ahead due to weather conditions our team will contact you to arrange an alternative time. Maximum capacity 10 people, bookings essential. Restricted to ages 14 years+ Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the commencement of your session. Accessibility: Unfortunately the Zeiss telescope is not wheelchair accessible at this time, due to steep steps inside the historic telescope dome. However, if you would like to arrange an accessible telescope viewing with us, please contact us at [email protected]. Half-price for Starlight Explorer passes.