Travel to the moon, see a cosmic light show and follow the world’s weather patterns at this state-of-the-art attraction.
Clark Planetarium’s mission is to promote understanding of the science in our daily lives with exciting experiences and hands-on displays. This new cutting-edge facility replaced the old Hansen Planetarium in 2003 and its ambitious plans have helped it to become one of Salt Lake City’s top visitor attractions.Newton’s Daydream greets visitors at the entrance to the planetarium. This unique audio-kinetic sculpture is the brainchild of artist George Rhoads and features a mind-blowing display of balls moving through mazes. Science on a Sphere projects computer-generated images of weather systems and shifting tectonic plates, while the Earth Globe exhibit allows you to view real pictures transmitted from the Hubble Space Telescope.The planetarium is one of the few institutions to own an authentic moon rock sample, on permanent loan from NASA. Videos of the historic Apollo 15 moon landings accompany this exhibit, including footage of the astronauts collecting the sample rock.The ever-popular cosmic light shows are the result of the planetarium’s continuing work to provide entertaining and instructional content for similar institutions around the world, pioneered by the Hansen Planetarium almost four decades ago. State-of-the-art technology is used to create extraordinary visual effects projected onto a giant dome, ranging from documentaries to science fiction and rock music spectaculars. Film fans are well catered for at the IMAX theatre, which shows films on scientific and environmental subjects during the day and Hollywood blockbusters in the evening.Clark Planetarium is open every day of the year, although opening times vary, so check the website for details. Many exhibits are free of charge, but there is a fee for the light shows. The IMAX has a separate entrance and also charges for film shows. Discount parking in the neighbouring Gateway shopping centre is offered to planetarium patrons, or take the TRAX public transport service from the city centre.
