Special shows are presented throughout the day at the Arizona Science Center at the giant-screen Irene P. Flinn Theater (seats 285) and the computerized Dorrance Planetarium (seats 210). In both venues, every seat is a good seat!
The planetarium and giant-screen theater both have several different shows each day. All of these special presentations require separate tickets and have an additional charge.
If you haven't been to the Arizona Science Center in a while, you might not know that the Dorrance Planetarium renovation was completed in mid-2008. It is the first planetarium at a science center or museum in the world that showcases state-of-the-art NanoSeam Dome technology. The dome provides real-time 3D, full-dome and high definition computer graphics with full color and full motion. In addition to the NanoSeam Dome the Dorrance Planetarium uses a Digistar3 projection system, a Digistar 3D astronomy package and a Bowen Technovation audio system.
So what’s the difference between the old and the new planetarium? The new technology allows the audience to be involved in each show. Projections make it seem like you are there, and the technology also allows Dorrance Planetarium staff to interact with the audience and at times literally turn over show navigation to them. New interactive seats allow the audience to directly be a part of each show.
The renovated Dorrance Planetarium was made possible by a leadership grant from the Dorrance Family Foundation.
Tip: If you are an adult visiting the planetarium, be aware that the interactive nature of the staff and system with the audience may be geared toward children.
