Travel Nevada and the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center are joining forces to encourage visitors to explore Nevada’s night skies as part of Get a Little Out There Month, which celebrates unique experiences across the state.
The partnership runs through January 31, 2026, and will feature a variety of interactive experiences under the theme “Get a Little Out There Night Skies.” A temporary exhibit curated by the Fleischmann Planetarium and Travel Nevada will spotlight ten top stargazing locations throughout Nevada.
Visitors can use an interactive kiosk to plan their own stargazing road trips with Travel Nevada’s trip-planning tool.
A rover simulation is also in development, allowing guests to explore different terrains in the solar system virtually.
Additional elements include screenings of The Space to Be, a film trailer showcasing Nevada’s dark skies in places such as Great Basin National Park, before select shows in the planetarium’s Full-Dome Theater.
The partnership also includes sponsorships of stargazing presentations and First Friday Concerts at the planetarium.
“Interest in night skies is growing, fueled in part by recent sightings of the Northern Lights and rare celestial events like the 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse that passed right through parts of Nevada,” said Rafael Villanueva, chief executive officer of Travel Nevada. “Nevadans are lucky to have access to world-class dark skies just a short drive from our metro areas. The Fleischmann Planetarium is a natural fit as we work to highlight the incredible stargazing experiences available across the Silver State as part of our in-state marketing efforts.”
Nevada offers some of the darkest skies in the nation, with minimal light pollution outside the Las Vegas and Reno metro areas and the most public lands in the contiguous United States.
Great Basin National Park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, and Massacre Rim, located about 150 miles north of Reno, is designated a Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Scientists have even discovered new parts of the Milky Way galaxy there. On new moon nights, stars shine brightly enough to cast shadows.
“The Fleischmann Planetarium has always been a terrific place to learn about space exploration. This new partnership with Travel Nevada enhances the planetarium experience, educating our guests about the best stargazing spots in the state,” said Paul McFarlane, director of the Fleischmann Planetarium. “We’re excited to help visitors connect what they learn here with real-world adventures under the stars throughout Nevada.”
