Coronavirus update:
All public programs have been suspended until further notice.
For all MESMERICA customer service needs, please email boxoffice@jameshood.com
If you need to return pre-purchased regular (non-mesmerica) planetarium tickets, please email planetarium@occ.cccd.edu with your name, the date your tickets are for, and your transaction number.
We are not accepting requests for new private programs at this time.
Check back here for updates concerning cancelled public programs.
The Orange Coast College Planetarium is committed to providing an innovative, immersive, and illuminating experience for Orange County and beyond. We offer field trip experiences for the local school community from kindergarten through high school which include spectacular star shows, spherical science, and more.
Access to the planetarium theater is limited to scheduled shows, but the lobby and exhibit hall are open to the public during normal hours free of charge.
Planetarium content is directly correlated with the California Next Generation Science Standards, so educators will have supplementary and follow-up activities and lesson plans to integrate their visit seamlessly into their curriculum.
Hours
Regular Hours
CLOSED 3/23 and 4/12
Monday to Thursday: 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Friday: 9 A.M. to 4 P.M., 6 P.M to 10 P.M.
Saturday: 11:30 A.M. to 10 P.M.
Sunday: 11:30 A.M. to 3 P.M.
Admission
Tickets for regular public programs are available online at occtickets.com, or during regular hours at the ticket office.
Parking
Parking is located in the E Lot off of Merrimac Way. Day passes can be purchased from the dispenser located in the middle of Lot E. Parking on campus is free from 5pm on Friday through 7am Monday morning.
Get Directions
Helpful Guidelines
Photography
Photography is permitted only in the lobby/exhibit hall of the planetarium. Please refrain from recording/taking photos inside the Dome Theater. Flash photography is especially disruptive in the dark environment, and the pictures never come out well anyway.
Cellphones
Please refrain from using your cell phone during planetarium shows. The light and sound are distracting and disrespectful to those around you.
Restricted Behavior
- Eating, drinking, chewing gum
- Smoking
- Animals
- Bicycles
- Skateboarding
- Flashlights