Portable Dome Theater

Longway Planetarium traveling program uses an inflatable dome to bring state-of-the-art video technology to your location. You may book any combination of available shows for your scheduled day. See below for pricing based on half-or full-day schedule. We can bring the Field Trip to your school. A HUGE Thank you to all our donors who made this portable dome possible.

Scheduling
Make a reservation by calling 810.237.3409.
Groups with young children may include up to 30 students plus the teacher.  A few chairs can be included for adults, but the majority of participants will be seated on the floor.

Fee:
$500 for half day (up to 3 shows)
$750 for full day (up to 6 shows)

Travel Expenses
Longway Planetarium will not charge travel expenses for schools within Genesee County. Longway Planetarium will charge travel expenses for schools outside of Genesee County in accordance with the current IRS standard mileage rate. Travel of more than 75 miles may require an additional overnight fee of $100.

Requirements
26’ x 26’ indoor space for dome
13’ ceiling minimum clear space, no light fixtures
2 electrical outlets
Able Bodied person to help load and unload
No other activities happening in the same area.

The Longway Planetarium portable dome brings a dark, cloudless night sky to your school during the daytime. Immerses your class into the world of science. Our space programs present a realistic model of the night sky over your school’s town on the date that we visit. With the addition of video images and simulations, students will get an up-close look at some of the most distant objects that can be seen from Earth.

Available Portable Dome Shows
IN MY BACKYARD
Grades Pre-K – 2
Using songs and stories, Fred Penner and his assistant Arnie the Arrow take us along as they explore their backyard. Learn about bugs and rainbows and things you might find in your own backyard. Then as night slowly falls, we learn about the stars and the planets. This engaging program is perfect for young scientists. (40 minutes)

SECRET OF THE CARDBOARD ROCKET
Grades 1 – 5
Our most popular children’s show has been remade for the full dome environment. Embark on an outstanding adventure as two children spend a night touring the solar system alongside their ship’s navigator, the astronomy book. Produced with modern digital animation and spectacular audio effects created at George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch. (50 minutes – includes star talk) E.ST.04.12, E.ST.04.22, E.ST.04.23, E.ST.04.24, E.ST.04.25

THE SKIES OF MICHIGAN TONIGHT
Grades 4 & Up
In this live program, students will learn about observing Michigan’s night sky. Topics include: rotation of Earth for day and night; finding the North Star and finding your way around the night sky; what a constellation is and which are visible in the current night sky. Moon phases, daily and monthly motion of the Moon through the sky; visible planets and their movement among the stars will also be discussed. (40 minutes) GLCE: E.ST.04.11, E.ST.04.12, E.ST.04.21, E.ST.04.22, E.ST.04.23, E.ST.04.24, E.ST.04.25, E.ST.05.62, E.ST.05.21, E.ST.05.22, E.ST.05.23

TWO SMALL PIECES OF GLASS: THE AMAZING TELESCOPE
Grades 4 & Up
While attending a local star party, two students learn how the telescope has helped us understand our place in space and how telescopes continue to expand our understanding of the Universe. Their conversation with an astronomer enlightens them on the history of the telescope and the discoveries these wonderful tools have made. (45 minute – includes star talk) GLCE: S.IP.M.1, S.IA.M.1, S.RS.M.1, E.ST.05.11, E.ST.05.21

IBEX: SEARCH FOR THE EDGE OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Grades 5 & Up
Join space scientists who are investigating the boundary between our Solar System and the rest of our galaxy in this show that follows the creation of NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX). Audiences will get an in-depth and unique look at the mission and how IBEX is collecting high-speed atoms to create a map of our Solar System’s boundary. (45 minutes – includes star talk) GLCE: S.IP.M.1, S.IA.M.1, S.RS.M.1, E.ST.05.11, E.ST.05.21