Planetarium Virtual Visit
The MSUM Planetarium is open for free virtual visits. Enjoy an out of this world experience led by a trained lecturer and adapted to fit your needs. Visits last roughly 45 minutes and there is always time for questions and requests by participants during the experience.
Once you submit your request, you will be contacted within 3 business days with a confirmation email and specific instructions for your virtual experience. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support for our programs! We hope to see you soon!
Request a virtual experience from the MSUM Planetarium.
General Information
For virtual visits, we use Zoom to get together. Participants do not need to have a camera, but a microphone is suggested for the group leader. You may consider the following set up options for your group:
- One computer for the group: If your group is together in-person, you could use one computer and project your screen for the group to see.
- Multiple computers & multiple people around each computer: More than one group of multiple participants.
- Each person will have a computer: Each person will be admitted to the session separately. This way, your group doesn’t have to be in the same location. With this method, you will need to share a list of participants' names with us.
Please make sure to download Zoom for free on each device before your virtual visit. Each participant will also need to set up a free Zoom account. Additional information and instructions will be sent to you once we process your request.
During your visit, we’ll share our screen through Zoom to explore the universe together, including topics such as:
- Current Astronomical Objects & Events
- Stars & Constellations
- Planets & the Solar System
- Black Holes
- ...and more!...
Since these are live events, you and your group members can ask questions and participate throughout the presentation. Zoom has great interaction options, including a like button, raise a hand, yes/no, thumbs up/thumbs down, and clap buttons. We can mute participants to limit background noise during the presentation and we can also unmute them to allow questions and participation.
If you have any questions or comments please contact us.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Each session will cost $50.
Q: How far in advance do I need to make a reservation?
A: We recommend submitting a request at least 2 weeks in advance. However, we will try to accommodate last-minute requests if possible.
Q: What times are you open for visits?
A: We can do programs Tuesdays - Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Programs are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: How many participants can join a virtual visit?
A: We can welcome up to 70 Zoom accounts for each virtual visit.
Q: Can we use a program other than Zoom?
A: Zoom is our preferred program. If you are not allowed to use Zoom, we can look into using other programs such as Discord, Google Meet, etc.
Q: Does it matter if my computer is a Mac or a PC?
A: No, not with Zoom. You can have a mix of Macs and PCs within your group as needed. All computers must have Zoom downloaded and installed before the visit.
Q: Can people use a smartphone?
A: Yes, but the content is difficult to view on the phone. If that is the only option, the phone will need to have the free Zoom app on it beforehand.
Q: Does each participant need a computer or a screen?
A: Not if your group is physically together and can see a shared screen. For small groups, you may choose to gather around a computer screen. For larger groups, you may choose to project the screen with a projector or to a TV.
Q: Does each participant need a camera?
A: Participants do not need to use a camera. However, it is nice to see people’s faces when possible. During the visit, they will have the option to turn on or off your video. If needed, we can also turn off an individual’s camera on our end.
Q: Does each person need a microphone?
A: No. They can still participate using the Zoom interaction options and chat.
Q: Will you record the virtual visit?
A: No, we will not be able to record the virtual visit.
Q: Do you require permission slips or class rosters for virtual visits?
A: We will need a list of participants in order to admit them to the Zoom session (if each participant is signing in on a separate device). We do not need permission slips.
Q: When will you start having in-person planetarium programs?
A: Unfortunately, we are not sure yet. Check the planetarium’s main webpage for current information.