Planetarium launches summer season with music, history, high-tech immersion

With summer temperatures on the rise, the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium at Seminole State College of Florida brings together science, story and cool spectacle in an immersive setting under the dome. This season’s lineup blends iconic music, American history and newly enhanced technology designed to transform the audience experience.

A Classic Album, Reimagined Under the Dome – May 29

The summer series begins May 29 with a special encore presentation of The Dark Side of the Moon, celebrating Pink Floyd’s landmark album. Showtimes are scheduled for 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The program pairs the full 42-minute album with custom-produced visuals that span the solar system and beyond, all set within the planetarium’s surround sound environment. Each track features a distinct visual theme, blending futuristic imagery with nods to the band’s iconic visual history to create a fully immersive, dome-filling experience. 

Advanced tickets are required to attend this event. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for K-12 and college students with ID. Seating is first come, first served. All proceeds benefit the Planetarium as part of fundraising efforts.

A Journey Through America’s Founding Moments – June 5

On June 5, the Planetarium debuts “Under the Dome: An Immersive Journey into Freedom and Independence,” with presentations at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Using advanced visualization technology, the program transports audiences to Philadelphia’s Independence Hall before transitioning inside the historic site through 360-degree immersive footage. The experience is further enhanced by live reenactors portraying George and Martha Washington, as well as scenes from Valley Forge that place viewers within one of the most defining chapters of the Revolutionary War. 

Join Seminole State Professor of History Diana Reigelsperger and Associate Professor of Political Science Nicole Reale as they guide guests through the halls of this important location as well as across several other landmarks and historic sites that shaped a revolution and gave birth to a nation. 

The event also includes a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence and a faculty-led discussion exploring the document’s enduring significance as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. An expert panel discussion featuring Seminole State faculty will explore the enduring power and relevance of this extraordinary document.

Advanced tickets are required to attend this event. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for K-12 and complimentary for college students with ID. Seating is first come, first served. All proceeds benefit the Planetarium as part of fundraising efforts.

The June 5 program will also be broadcast live using Domecast, allowing audiences beyond Central Florida to participate in the experience simultaneously. 

New Technology Expands the Experience

Behind the scenes, the Planetarium has completed a major upgrade to its Digistar system, significantly expanding its capabilities. New features include integration with Google 3D tilesets for photorealistic terrain and structures, an enhanced Milky Way map for greater scientific accuracy and Domecast technology that enables live broadcasts to partner institutions nationwide. 

From music-driven visuals to history brought to life, the planetarium’s summer programming offers a refreshing way to engage with science, culture and storytelling. With evening showtimes in a climate-controlled setting, it provides a welcome escape—where even the hottest Florida days can end on a cool, captivating note.

Tickets and additional program details are available at seminolestate.edu/planet.