Tennessee Portable Planetarium School Programs
A Portable Planetarium and Space Science Museum
Memphis • Jackson • Nashville • Chattanooga • Knoxville
The In-School STEM Field Trip that comes to you!
Formerly the Arkansas SkyDome Planetarium
Science Adventure Awaits!
The Southern Skies Portable Planetarium and Space Science Museum brings the wonders of the universe to schools and organizations across the south central United States. With one of the largest and most advanced digital portable planetarium systems in the region, we offer an immersive experience that takes students on an unforgettable journey through the cosmos.
Our Space Science Museum features rare NASA memorabilia, astronaut autographs going back to Project Mercury, rocket models, soil samples from around the globe, minerals, meteorites, small dinosaur fossils, and much more. Your program can also include a large telescope, allowing students to explore celestial objects in the real sky.
To our knowledge, we are the only service in the region that combines a portable planetarium with a science museum in one dynamic program.
We also have programs for scout, church and civic organizations!
Announcing "Moonbase: The Next Step"
We are thrilled to unveil the headlining program for the upcoming school year at Southern Skies Planetarium: "Moonbase: The Next Step."
Last year, many of you joined us for "Forward: To the Moon," where we explored the inspiring goals of NASA’s Artemis Program and the renewed ambition to return humans to the lunar surface. As we look ahead to the new school year, it only felt natural to take that next giant leap with you.
If "Forward: To the Moon" was about the journey, "Moonbase: The Next Step" is about the destination.
The Story of a New Era
Since that historic day on July 21, 1969, humanity has dared to dream of more than just a footprint—we have dreamed of a home among the stars. After two decades of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station, we are ready to move farther into the solar system.
In the next ten years, that dream will become reality. We are heading back to the Moon to develop a sustained, strategic presence near the lunar South Pole. It will serve as our first "staging post," bringing Mars and the rest of our solar system tantalizingly closer.
What to Expect
"Moonbase: The Next Step" is an immersive exploration of this bold human endeavor. Designed specifically for the 360° Fulldome format, this show pushes the boundaries of science and technology. Students will:
- Experience the Hostile Frontier: Discover the science required to survive reduced gravity, extreme temperature fluctuations, and toxic lunar dust.
- Witness the Innovation: Learn how we plan to extract water and minerals, grow food, and build a permanent base in one of the most challenging environments imaginable.
- Share the Wonder: Experience the awe, danger, and trepidation of a mission that will define the next generation of space exploration.
Prepare your students for a breath-taking lunar experience that turns the science fiction of the past into the scientific reality of the future.
See the trailer at:https://youtu.be/AIxidTtCp4I?si=Mozy2RqQTTzh7gN1
School Planetarium Programs
School Day Science Programs
Our planetarium and science exhibits set up in your large indoor space bringing a star filled experience to your students. Our standard program includes a professionally produced full dome movie followed by a live, grade appropriate tour of the current night sky that inspires students to go outside and explore the heavens themselves. Hands on exhibits that encourage students to explore various science topics and STEM careers round out the visit. Time permitting we can also set up a large telescope outside for students to view through.
School Math & Science Nights
If you’re holding a Math / Science night, our planetarium and telescope can be a center piece of the evening’s activities. We’ve participated in many science night events so we can also be a resource on setting up a successful evening.
Programs Include:
One of the largest and most advanced digital portable planetarium systems in the region.
NASA, Space & earth science exhibits
Telescope to view the moon or the brightest planets and stars – even during the daytime!
Access to the same programming available in the largest planetariums in the world!
Planetarium host with 30+ years of astronomy outreach education
Exploring Earth science exhibits with the SkyDome host.
Observing Venus in the daytime sky!
Rates:
We charge flat rates for a full school day visit to Tennessee. The rates include all program fees, travel expenses and lodging.
| Region | Daily Rate | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| West TN (Blue) | $800 | Full day, travel, lodging |
| Central TN (Green) | $950 | Full day, travel, lodging |
| East TN (Red) | $1100 | Full day, travel, lodging |
| Math/Science Night Add-On | $75 | – |
| Multi-Day Discount (2+ days) | -$100/day | Consecutive days in district |
Multi-Day Rate Discount: Save $100 / day
If you schedule us for 2 or more consecutive days at the same school or within the same school district save $100 per day.