Bear Branch Nature Center Planetarium

Bear Branch Nature Center has a 29-seat planetarium that allows visitors to tour the stars. Renovated in 2013 and again in 2024, the planetarium is now fully-digital, offering audiences a chance to participate in guided tours of the night sky, visit the planets of our Solar System, and to view exciting feature movies about the heavens.

Monthly Shows

Planetarium shows are hosted at Bear Branch Nature Center by WASI volunteers. Shows are generally the second Saturday of the month and begin at 7:00 PM in the winter and 8:00 PM in the summer. Overflow shows are offered if the shows sell out. Please check the County web page as these are subject to change.

Please call 410-386-2103 (8 AM to 4:30 PM M-F) or register online to reserve your seat. Online registration is through the Carroll Country RecDesk Calendar web page; find the second Saturday of the month, scroll to the end of the day. There may be a ‘+ more’ button at the bottom of the day’s events. A free account with the RecDesk system will allow payment.

Walk ins are welcome, space permitting. Cash or check is required if not paid on the County web page, and extra fees may apply.

Our observatory is usually open after the planetarium shows, skies permitting. Here’s a chance to look through our big telescope. No registration is needed for the post-show observatory. The public is welcome to bring their own equipment and participate in this star party along with WASI members.

Group Shows

Bring your home school group, Boy/Cub Scouts, and Girl Scout troops. Call Bear Branch Nature Center at 410-386-3580 to set up times. A signed agreement with and payment to the County is usually required.

Volunteer

Volunteers to present shows and run the projection equipment are always needed. It’s a lot of fun to run the show!