Bays Mountain Planetarium has a long history of show production. As a public planetarium, we have produced engaging slide-format shows since 1971. Since 2008, we have expanded our production to create professional-level full-dome planetarium programs that are both educational and exciting for our theater as well as yours. We also continue to create new, classic planetaria and flat-screened theater programs. Our programs are installed in theaters worldwide!
Bays Mountain Productions is non-profit and is part of the Bays Mountain Park Commission. All funds support the planetarium theater and its educational outreach.
If you have any questions on any of our programs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at AdamThanz@KingsportTN.gov or 423-224-2532.
Our Latest Full-Dome Production
Totality
This program is all about eclipses – from lunar to total solar. We cover how they occur and what happens when they do. We look back to the proof of general relativity and look forward to upcoming eclipses and where to witness them. Our production includes a variety of wonderful styles – from spectacular space environments to humorous pop-up books. A very special part of the show relates, in a very human way, what happens when you are caught in the shadow of the Moon and the Sun is plunged into a total solar eclipse. Your audience will love this program. And so will your audience of most any age.
Update! Totality is now available in Spanish!
All of Our Full-Dome Planetarium Programs (Listed Alphabetically)
The Case of the Disappearing Planet
Join Private Detective Skye Watcher as she investigates the mysterious “disappearance” of the planet Pluto from the Solar System. Along the way, she encounters some interesting characters and uncovers an informative history of the planets in our Solar System and how the scientific method is applied.
Comets & Discovery
Take a journey across continents and learn about comets and their discovery. Travel back and forth through time to relive exciting moments of comet hunters from the 18th and 21st centuries. We visit famed comet huntress, Caroline Herschel, who reined over the skies and learn how similar her search was to modern-day comet hunters.
This wonderful, first-person presentation transports viewers to where the discoveries happened. We also learn all about comets, what people from the past thought of comets, and the struggle that all comet hunters go through. The show incorporates two live sequences. The first is in the middle of the show and involves and engages the audience and highlights the structure of a comet and what happens to it and its tails while traveling around the sun. The second activity uses a facility’s star projection system to focus on any upcoming comets and how and where to view them.
Connections
A truly immersive and breathtaking experience. It was designed to illustrate the beauty and majesty of the natural outdoors, the night sky, the Solar System, and the universe. Combined with a wonderful soundtrack, it has brought forth the most amazing response from our audiences. All ages truly love this show.
Discover the Stars
On a clear, dark night, most of us, at one time or another, have gazed upon the stars and wondered about all those tiny points of light. Many of us are able to identify different patterns and constellations in the stars. But, what are those tiny points of light? This exciting program takes viewers beyond a simple observation of the night sky and delves into the fascinating lives of stars.
When we look up at the night sky, we can see that stars vary in brightness and have many different colors. The program reveals what is similar to all stars and what makes them unique. In “Discover the Stars,” we explore the many facets of a stars’ life. One of which is to venture deep into a giant molecular cloud to witness the birth of a new star. Stars also do not last forever. The program looks at the different ways that stars end their lives and the astronomical wonders that are left behind.
“Discover the Stars” will give viewers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the night sky.
Exploring New Horizons
This is a full-dome planetarium show that explores the New Horizons spacecraft and its mission to dwarf planet Pluto and other KBOs. This program also exhibits the importance of the scientific method and how it applies to our understanding of the Solar System.
A Part of the Sky Called Orion
A fantastic sky lore program featuring Greek, Egyptian, and Inupiaq cultures. We learn how each of these rich cultures viewed the same stars, but had different stories and images. This is storytelling at its best. A wonderful blend of imagery, music, and word; it’s a treat for all.
Planetary Visions – A Solar System Adventure
Best described as “an adventurous tour of the Solar System,” this program is a perfect mix of fantastic fun and tack-sharp educational content. The planetarium presenter plays an exciting role in this interactive program. This is the Solar System school show for your theater. Kids love it and adults do, too!
Totality
This program is all about eclipses – from lunar to total solar. We cover how they occur and what happens when they do. We look back to the proof of general relativity and look forward to upcoming eclipses and where to witness them. Our production includes a variety of wonderful styles – from spectacular space environments to humorous pop-up books. A very special part of the show relates, in a very human way, what happens when you are caught in the shadow of the Moon and the Sun is plunged into a total solar eclipse. Your audience will love this program. And so will your audience of most any age.
Update! Totality is now available in Spanish!
When Venus Transits the Sun
This show is a fantastic full-dome program that looks into the rare and magnificent celestial apparition called a Venus transit. The show covers what a transit is, a famous transit viewing from the 18th century led by Captain Cook, information about the sun and Venus, how to view safely, and more. There is also a live component to the show that allows the audience to participate in two fun activities.
Classic & Flat-Screened Large Format Programs (Listed Alphabetically)
The Case of the Disappearing Planet
Join Private Detective Skye Watcher as she investigates the mysterious “disappearance” of the planet Pluto from the Solar System. Along the way, she encounters some interesting characters and uncovers an informative history of the planets in our Solar System and how the scientific method is applied.
Comets & Discovery
Take a journey across continents and learn about comets and their discovery. Travel back and forth through time to relive exciting moments of comet hunters from the 18th and 21st centuries. We visit famed comet huntress, Caroline Herschel, who reined over the skies and learn how similar her search was to modern-day comet hunters.
This wonderful, first-person presentation transports viewers to where the discoveries happened. We also learn all about comets, what people from the past thought of comets, and the struggle that all comet hunters go through. The show incorporates two live sequences. The first is in the middle of the show and involves and engages the audience and highlights the structure of a comet and what happens to it and its tails while traveling around the sun. The second activity uses a facility’s star projection system to focus on any upcoming comets and how and where to view them.
Discover the Stars
On a clear, dark night, most of us, at one time or another, have gazed upon the stars and wondered about all those tiny points of light. Many of us are able to identify different patterns and constellations in the stars. But, what are those tiny points of light? This exciting program takes viewers beyond a simple observation of the night sky and delves into the fascinating lives of stars.
When we look up at the night sky, we can see that stars vary in brightness and have many different colors. The program reveals what is similar to all stars and what makes them unique. In “Discover the Stars,” we explore the many facets of a stars’ life. One of which is to venture deep into a giant molecular cloud to witness the birth of a new star. Stars also do not last forever. The program looks at the different ways that stars end their lives and the astronomical wonders that are left behind.
“Discover the Stars” will give viewers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the night sky.
When Venus Transits the Sun
This show is a fantastic classic-format program that looks into the rare and magnificent celestial apparition called a Venus transit. The show covers what a transit is, a famous transit viewing from the 18th century led by Captain Cook, information about the sun and Venus, how to view safely, and more. There is also a live component to the show that allows the audience to participate in two fun activities.
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