Orange Coast College Planetarium Grand Reopening

Costa Mesa, CA – Orange Coast College’s Planetarium is set to welcome visitors again after undergoing extensive repairs and upgrades to its projection system. The grand reopening event is scheduled for March 1, featuring free screenings every hour in the afternoon, along with interactive activities for children and families.

The newly updated planetarium boasts an advanced six-projector system that has been repaired and realigned to offer stunning viewing quality. Visitors will immerse themselves in high-definition experiences that include star tours and depictions of the birth of the solar system. Screenings in the domed theater will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, providing regular opportunities for exploration of the universe.

The grand reopening event on March 1 is expected to draw excitement, as most tickets for screenings on that day have been swiftly reserved. For those who still wish to experience the planetarium, a standby line will be available to accommodate additional visitors. During the event, solar telescopes will be set up for public viewing, and the Dennis Kelly Aquarium will remain open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing families to enjoy a day full of educational activities.

Planetarium Background and Upgrades

The Orange Coast College Planetarium was initially constructed at a cost of $24 million and opened its doors in 2019. However, it faced challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic, which led to its temporary closure. The facility partially reopened in mid-2022 but encountered technical difficulties with its digital projector after a period of inactivity. Following the recent upgrades, the project manager described the new viewing quality as “mindblowing,” making it a compelling destination for astronomy enthusiasts.

The planetarium features a rotating schedule that includes a variety of films and laser light shows, set to popular music. Upcoming laser light shows will highlight music from The Beatles on March 4 and Metallica on March 5. Additionally, the planetarium is organizing a viewing party for a total lunar eclipse on March 13, which will run from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., with the peak coverage occurring at 11:26 p.m. Special shows will accompany the lunar eclipse viewing to enhance the experience for attendees.

Special Showings and Activities

On the day of the reopening, three feature-length films will be showcased, all relating to earth science, astronomy, and space exploration. The film lineup includes “Magic Tree House: Space Mission” at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., “Birth of Planet Earth” at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and a Spanish-language film titled “Habitat Tierra.” With tickets for these free showings limited, attendees are encouraged to reserve them online or join the standby line on the day of the event.

Children and families can partake in various hands-on activities during the reopening celebration, such as crafting jellyfish and creating NASA-style mission coins, providing an interactive educational experience designed for all ages.

Event Details

Orange Coast College is located at 2701 Fairview Road in Costa Mesa. Attendees can find free parking in Lot E, which can be accessed from Merrimac Way. For additional information about the reopening event and the planetarium’s schedule, individuals can visit the college’s website or contact the provided number.