Gayle Planetarium Installs New Projector and Launches New Shows

MONTGOMERY PLANETARIUM (Montgomery, AL): – Gayle Planetarium is gearing up for an exciting season of public programming as its second quarter shows begin on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Guests can look forward to a lineup featuring two engaging full‑dome experiences designed for both children and general audiences. In preparation for the new season, the planetarium has also completed a technology refresh with the installation of a new digital laser phosphor JVC projector, ensuring brighter, sharper, and more vibrant visuals for all upcoming shows.

The technological update was needed due to outdated parts no longer being produced. The new JVC DLA-VS4010 laser phosphor system provides several improvements – an increase in brightness by at least 2.3 times the original projector, increased contract, increased color saturation, a laser life cycle of over 20,000 hours, reduction in projector maintenance and the elimination of consumable high-cost projection bulbs.

New shows being added to the schedule include “Solar System Odyssey” and “Out There – The Quest for Extra Solar Worlds” to begin showing every Saturday starting on April 11, 2026.

The schedule is as follows:

1. 10AM (Kids Show): “Solar System Odyssey”
2. 11:30AM (general audience): “Out There – The Quest for Extra Solar Worlds”
3. 1PM (Kids Show): “Solar System Odyssey”
4. 2:30PM (General Audience): “Out There – The Quest for Extra Solar Worlds”

Show Descriptions:

“Solar System Odyssey” is a character-driven adventure set in the future, in a time when humans have depleted the resources of their home planet. A business tycoon recruits our hero, Jack Larson, on a mission to discover a new home for humans to colonize. Join Jack and a stowaway, Ashley Trout, on a wild ride through our Solar System as he looks for answers to these questions: How are the worlds of our Solar System alike? How are they different? What must those worlds have in order for humans to live there?

“Out There – The Quest for Extra Solar Worlds” explores the thousands of years that mankind thought that the Earth was the center of the Universe. Thanks to our curiosity, imagination and urge to explore, we now know that planets like our Earth are nothing special in the cosmos. The Sun is just one ordinary star among hundreds of billions in our galaxy, the Milky Way. With the world’s most powerful telescopes, we are able to explore more and more of the Universe. What we have found so far has surpassed even the wildest expectations of scientists as well as authors of science fiction. Most stars have planets — it turns out they are more common than we thought. A huge diversity of different worlds is out there, just waiting to be discovered.

NOTE: Planetarium will be closed for public shows on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact the planetarium at (334) 625-4799 or visit FunInMontgomery.com.

About the W.A. Gayle Planetarium:
The W.A. Gayle Planetarium at Oak Park is an educational facility dedicated to exploring the wonders of Earth and space through captivating presentations, light shows, and immersive experiences. Located in Montgomery, AL, the planetarium is a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts of all ages. For additional information concerning the Planetarium, contact us at (334) 625-4799 or gayleplanetarium@montgomeryal.gov. Shows open to the public every Saturday from 9AM- 2:30PM. Tickets available in person for $7.50 per show ages 3 and up