A Spotlight on the Henry C. Vaughan Planetarium
Deep in the basement of the Physical Sciences Building at UW, the Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium invites visitors to swap their campus walk for a journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere. With new technology, varied programs, and a space built for awe, it’s a place where learning and wonder take center stage.
The Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium, located at 1000 E. University Ave. in Laramie, offers a 64-seat full-dome theatre after its recent renovations. Leading the program is coordinator Max Gilbraith, who brings experience from the University of Colorado Boulder and has helped steer the planetarium through upgrades and programming expansion. Under his direction, the facility is not just a show space, it’s a hands-on learning hub and community resource.
The planetarium underwent a major technical upgrade in 2024 to enhance brightness, resolution, and overall immersive quality. Now, visitors experience crisp visuals, surround sound, and fully immersive films, live talks, and music shows under the dome.
The programming lineup is impressively varied. For example, November shows include full-dome films like “Dark Matter Mystery” and live talks such as “Pluto and the Kuiper Belt.” Additionally, music-based visuals, labeled “Liquid Sky,” appear on Fridays and Saturdays, blending audiovisual art and astronomy. The regular schedule includes Tuesday “Wyoming Skies” talks, Friday evening science programs, and, in many months, Saturday family matinees.
One standout special event is “Dome After Dark,” which transforms the planetarium into a late-night immersive venue combining visuals, music, and community. For example, the August 2025 kickoff ran 9 p.m.-1 a.m. and featured local DJs, open bar (for 21+), and extended dome visuals. Public tickets typically cost $5 for general admission, with a student rate of $3. Walk-ins are welcome as well.
What sets the Vaughan Planetarium apart is its appeal to multiple interests: science, art, education, and fun. Whether you’re curious about deep space, want to catch a music-visual show, or bring friends to a date night under the stars, there’s something for you. Students benefit too: the facility offers a nearby off-classroom environment where campus meets cosmos.
For astronomy lovers, Laramie’s dark skies paired with dome visuals create an ideal mix. For others, it’s simply a break from routine: sit back and gaze upwards as the universe unfolds. The live-talk segments bring tangible insight, and the “Liquid Sky” shows offer a sensory experience rarely found on campus.
Shows are held in the basement of the Physical Sciences Building at UW. Doors open about 15 minutes before show start times; seating is first-come. Shows may be cancelled for home football games, holidays, or special campus events. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door; special private show arrangements are possible for groups of six or more. Check the planetarium website for the latest schedule and tickets.
The Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium isn’t just a screen under a dome; it’s an experience to remember. Whether you’re a student looking for inspiration, a community member yearning for an escape, or someone curious about what lies beyond our skies, the planetarium delivers. Step in, look up, and give yourself a moment of wonder.
