When
Science at Sunset: The Science Behind Project Hail Mary
Saturday, June 20, 2026
1601 E University Blvd.
6:00PM to 9:00PM
Join Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium for an immersive evening exploring the real science behind the hit movie Project Hail Mary. Take a seat in the planetarium for a conversation with Steve Kortenkamp, an astronomer and educator at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory; Brittany Miles, a U of A astronomer whose research explores exoplanets and worlds beyond our solar system; and Sukrit Ranjan, a U of A astrobiologist whose work investigates the origins of life and the habitability of planets. Together, they’ll examine what’s scientifically possible, what’s pure fiction, and what may fall somewhere in between. The evening will also include access to science exhibits, a screening of the planetarium show Dark Biosphere, and telescope stargazing (weather permitting). More details below.
Images: MGM Pictures
About the evening
Science Exhibit Exploration
6PM to 9PM
Explore Mysteries of the Cosmos: Life in Our Universe (New)
Universe of Science
Undersea Discovery
and many more of our current science exhibits
Panel Discussion
6:30PM
Our panel will be presenting their thoughts and answering your questions on several factors of the film including space travel and extreme forms of life.
"Dark Biosphere" Screenings
7:30PM or 8:15PM (you pick!)
Return to the planetarium theater at one of the times above to see Flandrau's newest fulldome film! Dark Biosphere explores the vast, hidden ecosystems thriving deep beneath the Earth’s crust. It challenges our understanding of biology by revealing how microbes survive in extreme conditions.
Telescopes
7:30~ to 9PM
Join our staff outside to peer at points of interest in the night sky.
All-inclusive ticket - $18
$12 for Flandrau members!
Your all-inclusive ticket includes:
- Planetarium talk: A special discussion with our featured speakers
- Planetarium show: Dark Biosphere
- Exhibit access: Explore all of Flandrau’s science exhibits, including the new Mysteries of the Cosmos: Life in the Universe
- Telescope stargazing: Enjoy guided stargazing after sunset (weather permitting)
Are you ready to buy tickets, question?