Mayborn Science Theater

Looking for a reason to gaze up at the stars this month? August 2026 is packed with incredible celestial events! From planetary conjunctions to meteor showers and eclipses, here is what you can look out for in the night sky:

August 2 – Mercury at Greatest Elongation West: Catch Mercury low on the horizon in the eastern morning sky just before sunrise.

August 10 – Lunar Perigee: The Moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its orbit, appearing slightly larger in the night sky.

August 13 – Perseid Meteor Shower Peak: One of the brightest and most active meteor showers of the year reaches its peak.

August 15 – Jupiter & Mercury Conjunction: Look for Jupiter and Mercury appearing close together in the sky.

August 27-28 – Uranus at Western Quadrature: Positioned 90 degrees west of the Sun, Uranus will be highest in the pre-dawn sky around sunrise.

August 28 – Partial Lunar Eclipse: Earth's shadow passes over the Moon, creating a deep partial lunar eclipse visible across the region.

Mark your calendars, step outside, and look UP to witness these incredible sights.

Join us at Central Texas College this August for planetarium features and laser shows!

WEEKDAY MATINEES:

When: Wednesdays (Aug 5, 12, & 26) at 12:30, 1:30, & 2:30 p.m.

Tickets: $5 for all ages (Free under 3)

Note: Closed Aug 19 for maintenance.

SATURDAY SHOWS:

When: Shows every hour from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Special Highlights: Debut of Laser Michael Jackson on Aug 29 at 5:00 p.m.! (will replace the regularly scheduled showing of Laser Taylor Swift)

Tickets: $7 Adults | $6 Kids (3–11) | Free under 3

Laser Friday (Aug 14th Only)

6:00pm: Space Laser
7:00pm: Laser Magic
8:00pm: Laser Genesis

Visit www.starsatnight.org or call (254) 526-1800 for full details and show descriptions!

In case you missed it, we are gearing up for an incredible evening celebrating the 57th Anniversary of Apollo 11 on July 25th!

If you've ever wanted to truly experience the intensity of the Moon landing, this is your ticket. We are hosting a special screening of First Man inside the immersive dome of the Mayborn Science Theater.

But the journey doesn't end when the credits roll. After the film, we’ll head outside (weather permitting) to look through our telescopes and view the Moon in its beautiful Waxing Gibbous phase!

📅 Event Schedule & Details:
When: Saturday, July 25th at 5:00 PM

Where: Mayborn Science Theater (Inside the Planetarium)

Bonus Telescope Viewing: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (included with your ticket!)

Admission: Only $7 per person (plus tax)

⚠️ Important Ticket & Seating Info:
Seating is strictly limited to 180 guests.

No online sales: Tickets must be purchased in person at the planetarium ticket counter (either in advance or on the day of the event).

Note: ASTC Membership discounts are excluded for this special event.

Seating is limited, so make sure to stop by and secure your tickets early. Let's celebrate humanity's giant leap together!

"Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."

With those iconic words, Neil Armstrong announced humanity's arrival on another world. The historic touchdown occurred in a vast, dark lunar plain known as the Sea of Tranquility (Mare Tranquillitatis).

Despite its poetic name, there is no liquid water there! It is actually a massive basaltic plain formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. NASA scientists chose this spot because it was relatively flat and free of major obstacles, making it the safest possible runway for the Lunar Module.

Experience the Journey Under the Dome!
Relive the immense tension, dedication, and triumph of the journey to the Sea of Tranquility.

Join us for a special screening of the critically acclaimed film First Man, shown inside the immersive planetarium dome at the Mayborn Science Theater!

📅 Date: Saturday, July 25

🕒 Time: 5:00 PM

📍 Location: Mayborn Science Theater (Inside the Planetarium)

🎟️ Admission: $7 per person

Gather your fellow space enthusiasts and secure your seats early for this incredible cinematic experience!

When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon, they spent a total of 21½ hours on the lunar surface. But did you know they only spent about 2½ hours of that time actually outside the lander exploring?

The vast majority of their historic stay was spent inside the cramped cabin of the Lunar Module Eagle, conducting crucial system checks, communicating with Mission Control, and preparing for their perilous launch back into orbit. Every precious minute outside on the surface had to be meticulously scheduled and executed!

Experience the Story Inside the Dome!
Want to experience the claustrophobia, the tension, and the ultimate triumph of this legendary mission?

Join us for a special screening of the critically acclaimed film "First Man!"
We are bringing this gripping cinematic journey to you inside the planetarium for an immersive experience you won't want to miss.

📅 Date: Saturday, July 25

🕒 Time: 5:00 PM

📍 Location: Mayborn Science Theater

🎟️ Admission: Only $7 per person!

Be sure to arrive early to secure your seat under the dome. We'll see you there!

While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were making history walking on the lunar surface, their crewmate Michael Collins was piloting the Command Module Columbia alone in lunar orbit.

Every time his orbit took him behind the far side of the Moon, he was cut off from all radio contact with both Mission Control on Earth and his fellow astronauts on the surface. For 48 minutes of every orbit, he experienced a level of isolation no other human had ever known.

As Collins later wrote: "I am alone now, truly alone, and absolutely isolated from any known life." Yet, his vital role in orbit is what ultimately brought the crew safely back home.

Honor the Unsung Heroes Under the Stars
The Apollo 11 mission was a triumph of teamwork, sacrifice, and incredible bravery.

Come celebrate all the heroes of the historic moon landing with us on July 25 for a special screening of "First Man" at 5pm. $7 per person