Big Astronomy

Discover Chile’s grand observatories and meet the people who push the limits of technology and what we know about the universe using world-class telescopes.

When we think of big astronomy, we think of big telescopes. But people enable discoveries. It takes many people with diverse backgrounds, talents, and skills to run a world-class observatory. Meet these people and share in the wonder of the sky—and the excitement of discovery.

This planetarium show takes visitors to the extreme sites where astronomy happens in the most extreme environments and with some of the most interesting people. Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries is a production of the California Academy of Sciences in collaboration with Dome+ Partners, based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1811436.

Tickets must be purchased in addition to a Museum Entry ticket or as an add-on to any museum admission package.

Purchase Tickets

Run Time: approximately 30 minutes

Last admission to the museum is one hour before close, and there is no late seating for dome theater sky shows.