Opening April 25th

at the UA Museum of the North



Step inside the Walt and Marita Babula Planetarium — a new immersive theater where you can explore the night sky above ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥, experience the northern lights, and travel across the universe without leaving your seat.

Be curious. Be kind. Be cosmic logo

UA Giving Day March 24-26

UA Giving Day: Help Launch the Planetarium

This is your chance to be part of the planetarium’s beginning. Gifts made during UA Giving Daydirectly support programming, student staff, and unforgettable experiences for our community.

Join us in building something extraordinary — your support makes it possible.

 

The Universe is Coming to Fairbanks

Colorful aurora over Poker Flat Rocket Research Range
Northernmost Planetarium

Experience the universe from one of the best aurora-viewing locations on Earth. Fairbanks offers a perspective on the night sky you won’t find anywhere else.

Audience in the Babula Planetarium watching a nature scene on the dome
ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ Science in the Dome

Explore discoveries from Arctic researchers and the Geophysical Institute, bringing real ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ science directly into the planetarium experience.

Audience in the Babula Planetarium watching a scene from Aurora Lights of Wonder fulldome film
Stories of the Northern Sky

Connect astronomy with cultural knowledge through stories of the sky from ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ Native traditions and perspectives.

Inside the Dome

The Walt and Marita Babula Planetarium is a 65-seat immersive theater beneath an 11-meter tilted dome. Using high-resolution projection and surround sound, the space transforms into a fully immersive environment where audiences are surrounded by the universe.

Whether you’re exploring distant galaxies or learning to navigate the ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ night sky, every show is designed to be both educational and awe-inspiring.

 

What to expect:

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  • 360° immersive dome theater
  • High-resolution 4K fulldome projection
  • 5.1 surround sound audio
  • Live presentation and fulldome films

 

Inside the empty Babula Planetarium with dim lighting and the logo on the dome screen

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More: 

  • Follow along on our project page.  
  • Learn more about UAMN's space science outreach and find activities on our Space Science Outreach page.
  • Discover resources from the group.

     

Thanks to Walt and Marita Babula for making the planetarium a reality!

Additional donors to the project include the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, UAF Geophysical Institute, Sarah and Cary Keller, the Michael and Lynn Rice Estate, Davis Constructors & Engineers, Inc. and RESPEC.

 

  Colorful aurora over Poker Flat Rocket Research RangeSunset on west side of museum Children in front of a projected starry sky

start streaks

Top of page image: UAF photo by Todd Paris, 2014. Bottom images, left to right: Aurora over the Poker Flat Research Range, NASA Goddard /Terry Zaperach.  Sunset and UAMN, UAF photo by Maureen McCombs. Space Camp at UAMN, UAMN photo by E. Padilla.