The Creator Of Star Trek Was Born In El Paso So They Named The Planetarium After Him

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but El Paso deserves a space program.

Okay, not NASA-level rockets launching off Scenic Drive, but we deserve a community that looks up at the night sky with wonder, with pride, and with ambition. And we already have the perfect launchpad for that dream: the Gene Roddenberry Planetarium.

It’s open again. It’s running monthly shows, for free, and I’m telling you now, we need to show up, pack the house, and keep breathing life into this iconic place. Planetariums aren't just a dome with stars projected on the ceiling. They are our gateway to the universe, and in a city nicknamed after the Sun with stars all over the place, we should be proud to have a planetarium named after a sci-fi legend!

courtesy of The Roddenberry Planetarium

Roddenberry Was One of Us

E. W. Roddenberry

Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, was born right here in El Paso. The man who imagined a future filled with exploration, unity, and technology that inspired real-life science fiction.

WHY STAR TREK IS MORE IMPORTANT TO EL PASO THAN YOU THOUGHT

And we named our planetarium after him! That’s huge. But let’s be honest, we haven’t treated it like the monument it should be.

That changes now.

We need to bring energy, excitement, and community to this place! The Roddenberry should be a place for schools, sure, but also for date nights, family outings, creative events, and stargazing sessions that remind us how small we are… and how big our dreams can get.

Monthly Shows Are Just the Beginning

courtesy of The Roddenberry Planetarium

The Planetarium is officially open to the public with multiple showtimes available when it opens its doors. These are high-tech, mind-blowing journeys into the cosmos, made possible by a top-of-the-line DigiStar system and a beautifully renovated space.

We’re talking immersive, 360-degree visuals. Acoustics that wrap around you like a nebula. And a staff who genuinely want to share the magic of space with you.

You can find details and reserve your tickets by visiting The Planetariums website! Tickets go fast, so check early and make sure you don’t miss out on the next show.

But also, bring your ideas. Because this space has the potential to be more than a once-a-month treat. With the right momentum, the Roddenberry could become a true destination. Imagine live music under the stars. Poetry events. Sci-fi film nights. Public lectures. Community-led science clubs. We can build this. But first, we have to show up.

El Paso Is Already a City of Stars

Courtesy of The Roddenberry Planetarium

We call ourselves the Sun City, and we have a massive glowing star carved into our mountain that lights up the desert sky. Our identity is literally written in light. So why shouldn’t we lead the way when it comes to bringing space education and starry-eyed inspiration to the people?

We’ve got the location. We’ve got the name. We’ve got the tech. All we need now is the will.

So here’s my challenge to you: Go to the show. Talk about it. Post your pics. Ask how you can get involved. Because the Roddenberry Planetarium shouldn't be treated like a relic, it’s a rocket, and with enough community fuel, it’s ready to launch.

El Paso, let’s shoot for the stars. The star is the symbol of our city, after all!