Space exploration doesn’t require a rocket ship when you know where to look. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center brings the cosmos down to earth through immersive shows, hands-on exhibits, and programs that transform complex science into accessible adventure.
Families, students, and curious visitors discover everything from distant galaxies to microscopic worlds under one historic roof. North Carolina offers few destinations where astronaut history meets cutting-edge technology quite like this.
The center has trained actual space travelers and continues inspiring future scientists through interactive learning experiences that make astronomy feel personal rather than distant. Located at 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, this University of North Carolina campus landmark welcomes visitors ready to explore beyond ordinary museum visits and into realms where science sparks imagination.
1. Historic Astronaut Training Ground
Between 1959 and 1975, this facility served as the celestial navigation training center for American space programs. Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Alan Shepard walked these halls before making history beyond Earth’s atmosphere…