This study extends our understanding of the goals, beliefs, and pedagogical choices made by planetarium
professionals. Interviews were conducted with planetarium professionals (N ¼ 36) to assess their goals for
audiences and beliefs about the design of the learning environment. Classification of participants, according to a
six-facet framework on effective learning environment design, suggests a range of perspectives on the design of
the learning environment that primarily include learner-centered, motivationally-oriented, socioculturallycentered,
and physically-oriented perspectives. Results also point to the importance of considering increased
opportunities for professionalism in the field of planetarium education.