The Glenn and Carol Arthur Planetarium, located at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park in Burnsville, NC, is wowing audiences with traditional astronomy shows and other STEM educational programs underneath a 36 ft projection dome. Comprised of 60 seats, the planetarium is a multi-use destination for visitors, residents, school children, and Mayland students. The planetarium is handicap and wheelchair accessible.
The park is also home to the Bare Dark Sky Observatory with a 34” telescope under a large roll-off-roof observatory. We are an International Dark Sky Park and the grounds are open to the public with 24-hour access to the parking area for stargazing.
Ticket Information: All weekly planetarium tickets are sold in person at the visitor center prior to the start of each show.
Due to the nature of the Planetarium shows and the need to keep the theater dark, guests arriving 5 minutes after the start of the show will not be admitted. Please plan on arriving a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the start of the show to allow time to purchase tickets and be seated comfortably in the dome.
Seizure Warning! Performances and shows at the Glenn & Carol Arthur Planetarium, which is located at Mayland Earth to Sky Park, may include flashing lights, images, and other luminous stimulations that may induce epileptic seizures in certain individuals. If you or anyone in your household has an epileptic condition, please consult your doctor before attending any of our performances. If you experience dizziness, altered vision, eye or muscle twitches, loss of awareness, disorientation, or any involuntary movement during a show, please notify a member of our staff so that we may assist you in exiting the planetarium.
A large part of the mission of the Earth to Sky Park is to offer environmental education opportunities to K-12 students and work with teachers on hands-on activities that correlate with the curriculum being taught in the classroom.
Experience the wonder of the universe in the comfort of reclining chairs and climate control even in the daytime! Open to groups up to 60 people, the Arthur Planetarium provides a unique learning and entertainment opportunity for all ages! For field trip information and pricing please contact staff at planetarium@mayland.edu.
$500 for a 2-hour event at the Observatory or Planetarium. (not both)
$600 One Hour for both - an hour in the Observatory and an hour in the Planetarium.
Non-Profit/Educational: $400 for two hours for the Observatory OR Planetarium.
Non-Profit/Educational: $500 for an hour in the Observatory and an hour in the Planetarium.
$1,000 - "Dinner under the Stars", a 3-hour rental, 26-capacity space with dining tables, chairs, and a program of your choice in the planetarium, catering not included.
For Private event information, please contact staff at planetarium@mayland.edu.
Call 828-470-7584
Email with Observatory questions: observatory@mayland.edu
Email with Planetarium questions: planetarium@mayland.edu
Physical Address: 66 Energy Exchange Dr. Burnsville, NC 28714
Mailing address: PO Box 547 Spruce Pine, NC 28777.