2024 Morehead Planetarium

Morehead Planetarium
Chapel Hill, NC
Friday, March 15, 2024

SOLD OUT: To be waitlisted, contact evelyn.bickley@nche.com

Come with NCHE to visit the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center in Chapel Hill.  The facility, originally opened in 1947, was updated just two years ago with a $9.2 million renovation.  Our 2024 Morehead Planetarium visit will include admission to all new and permanent exhibits on astronomy, biology, marine science, biomedical engineering, AND a planetarium showing of “Carolina Skies.”  “Carolina Skies” takes visitors on a guided tour of the nighttime sky as it appears that very night–March 15–above North Carolina. Visitors learn how to identify celestial objects visible to the naked eye and how to find the cardinal directions using celestial signposts.  Planetarium show lasts approximately 45 minutes.  Additionally, our admission includes a visit to Launch Lab where students will have hands-on time creating “Kinetic Sculptures” playing with balance, stability and centers of gravity.

The Planetarium is also offering us an optional upgrade to see their Science Live! show “Magnificent Matter.” We will learn about the states of matter, examine some tricky materials that exist between states of matter, make instant “snow,” and cap it all off by observing some colorful combustions using the chemical properties of different elements.  Target audience: second grade and up.

Check-in time will be 10-10:25; Planetarium show starts at 10:30.  Exhibit exploration and Launch Lab 11:30-1:30 (self-guided).  Timed entry for Science Live! show during 11:30-1:30. Registration limited. Registration open until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2024 or while ticket supply lasts.

PRICES:  Children 2 and younger: free
Children 3-18: $15.50 (includes planetarium, exhibits and Launch Lab)
Children 3-18: $20 (includes planetarium, exhibits, Launch Lab and Science Live! show)
Adults (19+):  $16.75 (includes planetarium, exhibits, launch lab and Science Live! show)

A couple of notes about babies:  1. Fire codes only allow for a total headcount of 150 for this field trip. We must count every single body in the building. So, while we love to include younger siblings when possible, if you can make arrangements and not bring children 2 and under, we would appreciate it.
2. If you do bring children 2 and younger, strollers are not easy to maneuver in the museum.  A better choice would be a front pack or to plan to hold your littlest students.

Questions? Please contact NCHE Activities Director Evelyn Bickley at evelyn.bickley@nche.com.