Walt & Marita Babula Planetarium

Grand Opening event

Sautrday, April 25, 2026
11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Join us for an out-of-this-world experience! Be among the first to experience North America’s northernmost planetarium. Enjoy a guided tour of the Alaska night sky and preview immersive fulldome shows. Discover space through hands-on activities, explore galleries with a scavenger hunt, and more! Free admission. Planetarium seating is limited. First come, first served.

The universe comes to �Ļ�ӰԺ

Opening spring 2026 at the UA Museum of the North

Step inside the Walt and Marita Babula Planetarium — a new immersive theater where you can explore the night sky above Alaska, experience the northern lights, and travel across the universe without leaving your seat.

Where Alaska's sky tells a bigger story

Colorful aurora over Poker Flat Rocket Research Range

Northernmost planetarium

Experience the universe from one of the best aurora-viewing locations on Earth. �Ļ�ӰԺ offers a perspective on the night sky you won’t find anywhere else.

Audience in the Babula Planetarium watching a nature scene on the dome

Alaska science in the dome

Explore discoveries from Arctic researchers and the Geophysical Institute, bringing real Alaska science directly into the planetarium experience.

Pat Druckenmiller (UA Museum of the North Director) and Bob McCoy (Geophysical Institute Director) at the groudbreaking of the Babula Planetarium

A Unique Research Partnership

Created in collaboration with the Geophysical Institute, the planetarium transforms cutting-edge Alaska research into immersive experiences for the public.

Inside the dome

The Walt and Marita Babula Planetarium is a 65-seat immersive theater beneath an 11-meter tilted dome. Using high-resolution projection and surround sound, the space transforms into a fully immersive environment where audiences are surrounded by the universe.

Whether you’re exploring distant galaxies or learning to navigate the Alaska night sky, every show is designed to be both educational and awe-inspiring.

What to expect:

360° immersive dome theater

High-resolution 4K fulldome projection

5.1 surround sound audio

Live presentation and fulldome films

What you'll experience

Live sky shows

Learn to identify constellations, planets, and seasonal changes in the Alaska sky with a live guide.

Fulldome films

Travel through space with cinematic, 360° films that take you beyond Earth and into the cosmos.

Aurora science

Discover the science behind the northern lights and why Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see them.

Children in front of a projection of a starry sky

Special events

Attend guest lectures, community programs, and unique events that connect science, storytelling, and discovery.

Building the planetarium

The planetarium is currently in its final stages of construction and installation. From the dome structure to projection systems, each step brings us closer to opening day.

Planetarium project page

Opening April 25th

The planetarium is nearing completion, with system installation and show development underway.

Plan your visit

The planetarium is located inside the UA Museum of the North on the University of Alaska �Ļ�ӰԺ campus.

Public shows will be offered throughout the day, providing opportunities for visitors of all ages to experience the universe in a new way.

More details on show schedules and ticketing will be available soon.

Maps & directions

Thanks to Walt and Marita Babula for making the planetarium a reality!

Additional donors to the project include the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, UAF Geophysical Institute, Sarah and Cary Keller, the Michael and Lynn Rice Estate, Davis Constructors & Engineers, Inc. and RESPEC.

colorful star streaks in a circular pattern

Photo credits: UAMN exterior, coursey UAF University Relations; Dome photos courtesy UAMN; Aurora over the Poker Flat Research Range, NASA Goddard /Terry Zaperach; Hunter's supermoon, UAF photo by Eric Engman; Aurora over Pedro Dome, UAF photo courtesy Isabella Colello; Aurora over UAMN, UAF photo by Eric Engman; Space Camp at UAMN, UAMN photo by E. Padilla; Sunset and UAMN, UAF photo by Maureen McCombs.