Ask Jeeves Planetarium

Our Ask Jeeves Planetarium is a full-dome digital projection system. This next generation projection technology is the most state-of-the-art on the planet. This new system is capable of projecting a brilliant seamless image over the entire 70-foot dome surface and can deliver jaw-dropping digital sound. The images surround the audience, extending beyond the peripheral vision, leading to an experience that is fully immersive and engaging.

The digital dome seats 240 people under a 70-foot diameter screen, and features live and pre-recorded shows.

Tien Megadome Theater

Hold onto your seat in this 70-foot dome-screen auditorium! The theater seats 210 people, and is home to the Bay Area's only 70mm, 8-perf projection system. Presentations feature thrilling, larger-than-life films capable of convincing viewers they are really aboard a Space Shuttle lift-off, navigating the celestial labyrinth of outer space, or discovering the mysteries of the ocean floor.

New Show

New Show

Tales of the Maya Skies - Planetarium Show
Maya Skies Tales of the Maya Skies

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the "seventh wonder of the modern world," Mexico's Chich�n Itz�. Hear the story of the ancient Maya civilization. Experience Tales of the May Skies, a new digital full-dome planetarium show produced by Chabot Space & Science Center. Narrated by Grammy Award winner and Oscar nominee Lila Downs, Tales of the Maya Skies transports us to the jungles of Mexico, presenting the rich history and culture of the ancient Maya. Using the latest three dimensional laser scanning and advanced graphic techniques, Tales of the Maya Skies weaves together the richness of Maya culture, stories, science and contributions to our way of life.

Now Showing

Astronaut - Planetarium Show
P-Astronaut

Astronaut

Showing in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium

Show times

The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. Explore the amazing worlds of inner & outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. Narrated by Ewan McGregor.

ASTRONAUT is produced by the National Space Centre.
(Running Time 25 minutes)

Dinosaurs Alive - Theater Show
T-Dinosaurs Alive

Dinosaurs Alive

Showing in the Tien Megadome Theater

Show times

DINOSAURS ALIVE is a global adventure of science and discovery -- featuring the earliest dinosaurs of the Triassic Period to the monsters of the Cretaceous "reincarnated" life-sized for the giant screen. Audiences will journey with some of the world's preeminent paleontologists as they uncover evidence that the descendents of dinosaurs still walk (or fly) among us. From the exotic, trackless expanses and sand dunes of Mongolia's Gobi Desert to the dramatic sandstone buttes of New Mexico, the film will follow American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) paleontologists as they explore some of the greatest dinosaur finds in history. Through the magic of scientifically accurate computer-generated animation, these newly discovered creatures, and some familiar favorites, will come alive in a big way!

El Universo Maya - Planetarium Show
P-El Universo Maya

El Universo Maya

Showing in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium

Show times

Sumérjase en la belleza de una de las siete maravillas del mundo moderno, el sitio de Chichén Itzá en México. Escuche la historia de la antigua civilización maya al descubrir El Universo Maya, un nuevo show para planetario digital producido por Chabot Space & Science Center. Narrado por Lila Downs, ganadora del premio Emmy Latino, El Universo Maya nos transporta a las junglas de México, presentándonos la rica historia y la cultura de los antiguos mayas.

Immersive Space - Planetarium Show
P-Immersive Space

Immersive Space

Showing in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium

Show times

Experience the Digital Universe in our new full-dome system as it whisks you to the nearest star and beyond in merely seconds. Travel 1,000 light years to Orion; 2 million light years to the Andromeda galaxy, home to a super massive black hole; and 10 million light years to other galaxies in our Local Group. Journey further to the edge of the known universe and take a peek at what's on the other side. No G forces involved! Just the comfort of your seat. (A light year = 6 trillion miles.)
(Running Time 40 minutes)

Mysteries of Egypt - Theater Show
T-Mysteries of Egypt

Mysteries of Egypt

Showing in the Tien Megadome Theater

Show times

Experience the magic and majesty of Egypt as never before. Soar over the great pyramids of Giza, cross the deathly quiet Valley of the Kings, and descend into the shadowy chambers of the sacred tomb of King Tutankhamun

(Running Time 40 minutes).

Search for Life - Planetarium Show
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Search for Life

Showing in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium

Show times

Narrated by Academy Award nominated actor Harrison Ford, this engrossing immersive theater experience whisks you on an incredible journey in search of the answer to this most intriguing question. This exhilarating voyage from the depths of Earth’s oceans to the outer reaches of the cosmos features breathtaking visualizations many seen for the first time such as a brilliant panorama of deep space, a walk on Mars and a dramatic visualization of the formation of our own fragile planet. The Search for Life: Are We Alone? was developed by the American Museum of Natural History in collaboration with the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA).
(Running Time 25 minutes)

Secret of the Rocket - Planetarium Show
P-Secret of the Rocket

Secret of the Rocket

Showing in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium

Show times

Two young adventurers turn an old cardboard box into a rocket and with the help of a magical book and their vivid imaginations blast off on an awesome journey to the most amazing places in the Solar System. Gasp in amazement at the huge planet Jupiter, find out what Saturn’s rings are made of and discover the secret of the cardboard rocket. The show has been upgraded for digital full-dome systems and provides an excellent introduction to the nine planets of our Solar System. Especially for ages 5 to 10.
(Running Time 40 minutes)

Sky Tonight - Planetarium Show
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Sky Tonight

Showing in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium

Show times

Take a live tour of the starry sky visible above your head on the night of your visit. The show includes a look at constellations, planets, and special celestial objects. After the show, visit Chabot's observatories for telescope viewing (weather permitting)! (Running Time 45 min.)

SolarMax - Theater Show
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SolarMax

Showing in the Tien Megadome Theater

Show times

93 million miles just got a whole lot closer. Featuring live images of the Sun and footage from around the world of solar observatories of the past, present, and future, Solarmax tells of humankind's struggle to understand the Sun. Travel around the world to visit historical sites of sun worship, see scientists studying the Sun, and view the majesty of a total solar eclipse. 

Approximately 40 minutes.

Sonic Vision - Planetarium Show
P-Sonic Vision

Sonic Vision

Showing in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium

Show times

Sonic Vision is a trip out of this world and into the minds of the universe’s most creative musical artists and digital animators, set to a soundtrack featuring today’s coolest music. This mind-warping roller-coaster ride is mixed by Moby and features tracks from Radiohead, U2, David Bowie, Coldplay, and many more. The show uses next-generation digital technology to illuminate the Planetarium’s dome with a dazzling morphing of colorful visions in this one-of-a-kind computer-generated musical and visual experience.
(Running Time 38 minutes)


Developed by the American Museum of Natural History in collaboration with Moby and in association with MTV2. Sonic Vision is made possible by generous sponsorship and technology support from Sun Microsystems.
Portions of the show feature loud music and large fast moving images that may startle small children.

Space NOW - Planetarium Show
P-Space NOW

Space NOW

Showing in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium

Show times

Sit back and enjoy the ride through real-time constellations, stars and planets. Each week this live show will reflect current happenings in our sky. Space NOW! will also tie in the activities going on throughout the center. This is Chabot's first daytime guided tour of the universe.

(Running Time 30 minutes)

Sunshine - Planetarium Show
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Sunshine

Showing in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium

Show times

A 15-minute planetarium show for the younger crowd, ages 5 and under! Sunshine, a lovable animated cartoon Sun, wants children to sing and play along with his tricks. In the process, he introduces the colors of the day sky and the other suns of the night sky.

Tales of the Maya Skies - Planetarium Show
P-Tales of the Maya Skies

Tales of the Maya Skies

Showing in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium

Show times

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the "seventh wonder of the modern world," Mexico's Chichén Itzá. Hear the story of the ancient Maya civilization. Experience Tales of the Maya Skies, a new digital full-dome planetarium show produced by Chabot Space & Science Center. Narrated by Latin Grammy Award winner Lila Downs, Tales of the Maya Skies transports us to the jungles of Mexico, presenting the rich history and culture of the ancient Maya. Using the latest three dimensional laser scanning and advanced graphic techniques, Tales of the Maya Skies weaves together the richness of Maya culture, stories, science and contributions to our way of life.

A Chabot Space & Science Center production. Major funding provided by the National Science Foundation

(running time 33 minutes)

To Be An Astronaut - Theater Show
T-To Be An Astronaut

To Be An Astronaut

Showing in the Tien Megadome Theater

Show times

Venture inside the gates of NASA to experience the rigors of astronaut training, from the initial contact at a distant research outpost, through the frantic countdown of missions, to the heart-stopping launch into space. Shot entirely on location and starring the men and women of NASA, To Be An Astronaut honors the many people who work together to create a successful mission. Approximately 40 minutes.

Use this calendar to find shows for a particular date.

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Schedules subject to change. Chabot is closed Mondays (& Tuesdays during the school year - see hours), with holiday exceptions.