Celestial Appearance for Singer Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers’ newest album excitingly debuts in planetariums across the world before its official release on August 14, 2026. Amritha Raviprasad reports.
Melbourne's Scienceworks Planetarium was one of two Australian venues to debut Phoebe Bridgers’ highly anticipated album Lost Weekend a day prior to its global release date, August 14th. The music was accompanied by starry views spanning almost 20 countries, captured by photographer Babak Tafreshi.
“With the planetarium experience I have, the universe at my fingertips,” said Dr Tanya Hill, Senior Curator of Astronomy for Museums Victoria. “It was lovely of Phoebe herself to choose planetariums, which really raises the profile of planetariums around the world.”
Bridgers announced the list of venues at 2am AEST and tickets sold out in only fifteen minutes. Scienceworks added more showtimes in response to the high demand.
Dr Hill was able to sit in for the first session. “When it finished, there was just silence and you could tell everyone was just taking this in. It was almost like you were in that bubble and you didn’t want the bubble to be broken.”
According to Dr Hill, fans could be seen leaving the event smiling and also saying they felt more immersed because phones were sealed away. “It’s not just about recording and leaking anything, it's as much about Phoebe wanting people to be in the moment and to enjoy the session without that digital distraction.”
Scienceworks was first approached in February by Bridgers’ record label. Initially, the event was in partnership with the planetarium laser company, Laser Fantasy. Scienceworks’ planetarium does not contain lasers so the museum was unsure whether it was possible.
However in June, Scienceworks was informed American company Cosm would be distributing a dome version of the show, enabling them to conduct the show using their circular dome and 7.1 surround sound system.
“That full dome format that we use in the planetarium is very interesting for artists who just want to push the boundaries," Dr Hill said. “It really is such an immersive, amazing experience that we want all people to be able to enjoy it.”
Dr Hill added that Scienceworks also runs 18+ events to reach more demographics, including ‘Valentines under the Stars’ and Friday ‘Planetarium Nights.’ She also leads ‘Discover the Night Sky’ on the last Thursday of every month, supported by Museums Victoria Learning Partner, Swinburne University of Technology.
More information can be found on Scienceworks’ website.
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