Clark Planetarium, Salt Lake City (must see)

Clark Planetarium, located in the heart of Salt Lake City’s vibrant downtown at The Gateway, is a hub for exploring the wonders of space and science. Opened in April 2003 as a successor to the historic Hansen Planetarium, this modern facility combines high-tech presentations with interactive educational exhibits, thanks to the support of the Clark Foundation and Salt Lake County.

The planetarium boasts a 55-foot aluminum dome, engineered by Astro-tec, that serves as the setting for mesmerizing shows powered by Evans & Sutherland's advanced Digistar system. This system projects a seamless, immersive 3D video experience without the need for special glasses, boasting ultra-high-definition at 4096 x 4096 resolution and 60 frames per second. With a powerful 13,000-watt sound system and 5.1 surround sound, audiences are enveloped in an audiovisual experience that truly brings the cosmos to life. The 190-seat dome theater, renovated in 2018 with upgraded seating, features interactive controls at each seat, enhancing the experience.

Additionally, the Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre at Clark Planetarium specializes in science and nature documentaries, showcasing both 2D and 3D films on a massive screen. The IMAX theater received a significant upgrade in 2010, with digital projectors, a new screen, and an enhanced sound system, making every film a cinematic journey.

Beyond the theaters, Clark Planetarium offers a vast 10,000-square-foot exhibit space, featuring free displays that engage visitors in hands-on learning. Highlights include “Science on a Sphere,” a dynamic globe from NOAA, and "Newton's Daydream," a striking audio-kinetic sculpture by George Rhoads. Exhibits also showcase a Foucault pendulum, a collection of meteorites, a moon rock from NASA’s Apollo 15 mission, and real-time NASA footage. Other popular displays include a rocketry showcase by ATK Launch Systems, a Solar Energy exhibit, and an interactive “Weight on Other Worlds” experience.

Clark Planetarium’s educational outreach is extensive, engaging over 75,000 students each year. The planetarium provides field trips, traveling programs, and “star parties” where visitors can view celestial objects directly. From astronomy basics to complex scientific concepts like Newton’s laws of motion and solar system dynamics, Clark Planetarium’s programs offer something for every science enthusiast.