Clark Planetarium - Salt Lake City - A space and science themed planetarium and education center

Located in the Gateway District of Salt Lake City, Utah, the Clark Planetarium replaced the Hansen Planetarium in April of 2003. It offers several unique features, such as the Hansen Dome Theater, which is the pit-less, digital dome in the United States. In addition, this planetarium also has an IMAX screen used for viewing 3D as well as 2D films that are science and nature themed.

The Hansen Dome Theater features a 55-foot perforated aluminum dome and can seat up to 205 people. The theater is designed with a Digistar 3 planetarium system, and features individual interactive button controls for each seat, which can be used to enhance the viewer experience.

With six projectors creating seamless 3D video and a 21-speaker surround sound system, the Hansen Dome Theater offers space themed show on a variety of subjects.

The Clark Planetarium also features a production department that creates content for planetariums all over the world. Some of the shows created by the production department include "Extreme Planets, Destination Saturn, Black Holes, and Holiday Music Magic. A couple examples of recent shows hosted by the Clark Planetarium include Dinosaurs 3D: Giants of Patagonia, and the Ultimate Universe.

In addition to its theaters, the Clark Planetarium also features some science themed exhibits including "Science on a Sphere," which is a computer - animated globe. Also on exhibit is the "Newton Daydream,'' created by artist George Rhoads. This is an audio -kinetic sculpture.

You will also find in the Clark Planetarium exhibits such as meteorites, and an authentic moon rock that has been loaned to the institution by NASA. In addition there also telescope displays as well as video from the Hubble Space Telescope and NASA TV. You will also find video of the astronauts during the Apollo moon landing.

The Clark Planetarium features education department that brings science to thousands of children each year through their educational shows, as well as their traveling science education programs. These outreach programs include auditorium programs, star parties and astronomy curriculum.

The Clark Planetarium is open all year long with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The planetarium opens at 10:00 AM and closes after the last show of the evening, but does close early on Christmas Eve. Occasionally the planetarium may be closed for private events.

Some of the facilities available at Clark Planetarium include the science store that features science related products, as well as a concession stand that serves snacks and small meals, such as the Astro Hotdog meal.

The facility is available to rent for special functions such as birthday parties, meetings, or a unique venue for a wedding reception. The prices vary according to what area you rent. Rental options include everything from a full building rental, to a single classroom.

The Clark Planetarium is located west of the Energy Solutions Arena at 110 South 400 West in Salt Lake City, Utah. There is underground parking available at the Gateway Mall.