Walt & Marita Babula Planetarium
The universe comes to Fairbanks
Step inside the Walt and Marita Babula Planetarium — a new immersive theater where you can explore the night sky above Alaska, experience the northern lights, and travel across the universe without leaving your seat.
Shows Daily
1:00 PM A New Blue: The Exoplanet Movie
2:00 PM Aurora: Lights of Wonder
3:00 PM The Pretty Cool Space Movie
4:00 PM Aurora: Lights of Wonder
Where Alaska's sky tells a bigger story
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.
Explore discoveries from Arctic researchers and the Geophysical Institute, bringing real Alaska science directly into the planetarium experience.
Created in collaboration with the Geophysical Institute, the planetarium transforms cutting-edge Alaska research into immersive experiences for the public.
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 Alaska night sky, every show is designed to be both educational and awe-inspiring.
What to expect:
Building the planetarium
The planetarium is currently in its final stages of construction and installation. From the dome structure to projection systems, each step brings us closer to opening day.
Planetarium project page
The UA Museum of the North now has a planetarium, and as planetarian Omega Smith said when she first came to the museum in the fall of 2025, “We can move the stars.”
In this episode we discuss the new facility with Omega Smith, Director of the new Walt and Marita Babula Planetarium, about coming on board, building partnerships, and designing programs.
The Power of Philanthropy
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.
Be Part of the Planetarium
The planetarium is more than a space, it’s a place for discovery, storytelling, and connection. Your support of the Planetarium Excellence Fund helps bring immersive shows to life, create opportunities for students, and expand access to science and culture across our community.
Photo credits: UAMN exterior, courtesy UAF University Relations; Dome photos courtesy UAMN; Aurora over the Poker Flat Research Range, NASA Goddard /Terry Zaperach; Hunter's supermoon, UAF photo by Eric Engman; Aurora over Pedro Dome, UAF photo courtesy Isabella Colello; Aurora over UAMN, UAF photo by Eric Engman; Space Camp at UAMN, UAMN photo by E. Padilla; Sunset and UAMN, UAF photo by Maureen McCombs.