Last updated: 8/16/2015
1010 Forest AveMontgomery, AL 36106
1010 Forest AvenueMontgomery, AL 36106
Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime with no admittance once a show has begun. Show times: Mon-Thurs @ 4 PM, Sundays @ 2 PM, 1st & 3rd Saturdays @ 2 PM.
Monday - Thursday
3:30 PM - 4 PM
Although the planetarium is open year-round, we do close on most holidays.
For group and school reservations, please call 334-625-4799
General Admission:(5 yrs and up): $6.50
The W.A. Gayle Planetarium is the region's premier astronomy education facility, as well as a multimedia theater for films, lectures, live music and digital art performances. The Planetarium is operated by Troy University and embodies its motto: To educate the mind to think, the body to act, and the heart to feel. The new Planetarium system - the Super Mediaglobe II installed in February of 2014 - is the world's first full-color single-lens digital planetarium.
It projects simulations of the latest information gathered about our universe and presents it with leading-edge digital dome technology. Its 3-D digital planetarium functions simulate not just the earth and sky, but can take audiences to the edge of the known universe. In addition to the simulations of stars, constellations, and planets, SUPER MEDIAGLOBE II projects natural sky phenomenon including lightning, clouds, rain, snow and aurora that can be superimposed on the background sky or an all-sky image or movie. This remarkable ability creates more natural and realistic scenes to immerse and inspire families and students.
The new technology improves the viewer experience for visitors to the Planetarium and allows for exploration of Earth through the use of continually updated satellite datasets of our planet's land, ocean, atmosphere and climate of our entire planet.
Incorporating a digital 25,000 watt Dolby 5.1 surround sound system, the W.A. Gayle Planetarium Theater is capable of accommodating a wide range of programs, from lectures to film series to live performances. But first and foremost, the planetarium is a remarkable astronomy education resource, allowing visitors to explore their universe through traditional live star talks and immersive virtual journeys to the far reaches of the cosmos.
"We have a digital, three-dimensional map of the entire universe. We can lift off from Earth and fly out of our solar system, out of our galaxy, and out to the very edge of the universe. Or we can orbit Earth, using satellite data to observe and understand our planet in a whole new way. It's hard to imagine a more powerful set of tools for exploring our universe and our place in it." - Rick Evans, W.A. Gayle Planetarium Director
The Planetarium was built in 1968 and opened in 1969. It is situated in beautiful Oak Park (across from Jackson Hospital). The Planetarium has recently undergone it's first major renovation which included adding 21 slide projectors, laser disk video projection, a new sound system, and the introduction of Laser Light Shows.
Having an event at the W.A. Gayle Planetarium is a way to ensure that your event will be remembered for a while. No one expects a meeting to be held in a planetarium, what a way to get the meeting off to great start.
You can rent the planetarium and host your own party in the lobby, and then be treated to a show of your choosing in the auditorium.
Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
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