Mueller Planetarium Inspires Wonder

by Caroline Clements

In 1958, thanks to the generosity of UNL alumnus Ralph S. Mueller, the University of Nebraska State Museum (UNSM) opened a “theater among the stars” at Morrill Hall. The original SkyView shows were popular with scout groups, school groups and museum visitors from Nebraska and neighboring states. Visitors reported feeling like they were alongside astronauts in space while keeping their feet on the ground. Over 60 years later, astronomy shows are still going strong and technology innovations are enabling the Mueller Planetarium to expand its offerings to inspire wonder about Earth and our place in the Universe.

Today, the Mueller Planetarium has become a portal transporting visitors from their seats to far away galaxies or the depths of Earth’s oceans and enabling explorations of Earth’s weather. With the newest laser phosphor projector system, guests enjoy clearer, brighter pictures, and the museum has licensed a variety of new planetarium shows. In addition to audience favorites like We are Stars or Solar Superstorms, guests can experience the destructive power of tornadoes and hurricanes in “Weather: Wonders and Mysteries Revealed.” The show 5000 Eyes Mapping the Universe with DESI immerses guests in the excitement of discovery as the Dark Energy Spectroscope Instrument creates the most detailed map of our nearby universe. One show, Chasing Ghost Particles focuses on neutrinos, invisible particles that offer glimpses into the world of exploding stars and their cycles of birth and death. 

Also new, Mueller Planetarium is now equipped to deliver a unique experience – live shows narrated by museum professionals and scientists. With images projecting on the planetarium dome, narrators guide visitors’ exploration during specially curated shows. Just launched in 2025, Planetarium Live! encourages visitors to interact with each other and the narrator during the performance. Global Soundscapes explores the emerging field of soundscape ecology taking visitors through Costa Rica’s rainforests, Hawaii’s coral reefs, and Mongolia’s grasslands. In another live show, Scale of the Universe, guests will travel space and time from UNSM’s Archie the Columbian mammoth to the end of the observable universe. 

“My favorite part of delivering a planetarium show for the public or students is seeing their excitement and curiosity,” said Rachel Scheet, UNSM’s earth and space science coordinator. “I can’t wait to see how our new Planetarium Live! programs encourage them to share their awe and wonder.”

And what could be more fun than enjoying the stars with friends or someone special? During the semi-annual, adults-only event, Cosmos & Cocktails, guests enjoy an evening of food, drinks, activities and a live-narrated planetarium show. Event themes, like the seasons, change so there is always something new and fun to experience.

“Planetariums have changed tremendously since they were first popularized in the 1950s as part of the Cold War space race,” said UNSM director Dr. Susan Weller. “They’ve always been an awe-inspiring experience of space, but now they offer so many more opportunities to connect with our world and with each other.” 

Each year thousands of visitors enjoy a planetarium show, including elementary students on a field trip, senior citizens, and families. Public shows are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Mueller Planetarium also offers private group and school group rentals. A complete catalogue of available shows is available on the museum website, museum.unl.edu/planetarium.