Explore what we have learned about Mars, especially the potential for life on the red planet and the obstacles we need to overcome to send humans to Mars in the 2040s. This event is open to the public. The program will include an indoor stargazing session of the night sky followed by the opportunity to ask questions.

We are excited to participate in 2024's FREE Sunday Family Fun Day on STEM Day, August 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Northwestern Mutual Community Park, located on the Summerfest grounds. Director Jean Creighton and staff will present a live, interactive show on cycles of day and night at 11am, and the Planetarium staff will have a booth with activities for children, a raffle, and the chance to touch a real meteorite!  Other family-friendly programming, food & drink options, and interactive activities will be available as well.

Join the UWM Planetarium for our popular annual event, Stars & S’mores! Enjoy eating delicious s’mores and catch a free 15-minute planetarium stargazing show. S’mores kits are free (one per person while supplies last). Planetarium shows will run every 15-20 minutes. 

Get outside with us to view the Moon and other astronomical objects through our telescopes! All stargazing sessions are free and open to the public. Please note that events are scheduled based on weather conditions and sky visibility. Check the event status on the day of the event before visiting.

Join the UWM Planetarium for our popular annual event, Stars & S’mores! Enjoy eating delicious s’mores and catch a free 15-minute planetarium stargazing show. S’mores kits are free (one per person while supplies last). Planetarium shows will run every 15-20 minutes. 

Dear UWM Planetarium friends:

Around the summer solstice, Victoria Robison and I had the opportunity to visit the reservation of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Minnesota. Some of my favorite experiences that Margaret Noodin and Mike Zimmerman Jr. curated for us? (1) We saw spectacular falls through beautiful forests along the Pigeon River, which marks the Canadian border. (2) We were honored by elder Billy Blackwell, who led us to the Sacred Cedar, where we made tobacco offerings. (3) We were awed by how astrophotographer, Travis Novitsky, creates gorgeous pictures of the Milky Way that are grand and intimate at the same time. I hope that he will agree to give a talk at UWM. (4) We appreciated how well the people on the reservation manage their natural resources and environment: the Band's water quality standards raise the standards of the region. (5) I enjoyed the smaller moments of our road trip too: securing a good morning coffee, exchanging personal stories to pleasantly pass the time, and placing notes with birthday wishes to surprise Victoria.

Next month I hope to report about my experiences from Berlin, where I am presenting at the  International Planetarium Society meeting.

Hope to see you soon under the stars,

Jean