I’ve been to the Tupper Lake Observatory for various evening events. With its roll-top roof and knowledgeable volunteers, the experience has always been rewarding. Now, with their latest addition of a pop-up planetarium, The Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory is bringing the stars to us.

I have never given much thought to the difference between a planetarium and an observatory. The terms are not interchangeable. An observatory is a location with telescopes set up to observe the sky, while a planetarium is similar to a theatre that projects objects onto a domed ceiling.

The StarLab, a portable planetarium, is showing “From Earth to the Universe,” narrated by Tilda Swinton. The inflatable StarLab travels to schools and other educational institutions, but there are dates and times open to the public. Tickets are $5, and space is limited to 10 people. Please check their Facebook page for the latest offerings. Contact the office at 518-359-3538 for more information and private viewing options.

When I visited the StarLab, I was in awe that we had this opportunity right around the corner. The 30-minute presentation started with a quick orientation. Since it’s inflatable, we had to scoot into the dome’s door, but the presenters can lift a side to accommodate anyone with limited mobility. The setup is slightly different for school children. The dome fits about 30 kindergarteners on the floor for school presentations, but the public presentations fit 10 adults in folding chairs. We were very comfortable and had plenty of room to look around as the stars surrounded us.

The Tupper Lake Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory (AdirondackSkyCenter.org) currently has two locations. The Astronomy Hub/StarLab is located in the business district at 68 Park Street, while the Roll-Top Observatory for evening stargazing is at 178 Big Wolf Road. When you are visiting, please look at the expansion plans for a future combined educational center. Reach for those stars!