Every few years Abrams Planetarium breaks from its usual astrological shows and does something a bit more cosmological.

“The Last Question” is just that show. Adapted from a short story by the late science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, “The Last Question” attempts to answer what happens when the universe runs down.

“We don’t normally do science fiction shows,” said Thomas Ferguson, one of the graduate staff members at the planetarium. “I’ve done some research, and this is Asimov’s personal favorite of the things he’s done.”

The show, narrated by Leonard Nimoy of “Star Trek” fame, has been showing on and off at Abrams since the 1970s.

Ferguson said there were a number of things done this year to give the production a face-lift. Most of those are accomplished with a new projector, called Digistar II, which the planetarium acquired two summers ago.

“With Digistar II, we can do much more graphically intensive visuals,” Ferguson said. “It allows us to travel to any part of the universe to show what any star would look like.”

Mary Gowans, a temporary receptionist who has been volunteering at the planetarium since the late 1970s, said she has seen the production come through a number of times and has seen the changes that have come with it.

“Because of the Digistar II, they’re able to do a lot more movements on the dome,” Gowans said, “like special effects, the feeling of movement.”

“The Last Question” keeps returning because of its popularity, as patrons often express how much they miss the show.

“I’ve read pretty much all of Isaac Asimov, and this is my favorite,” Gowans said.

“The Last Question” is showing at Abrams Planetarium through Feb. 25, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m.

Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for students and seniors, and $2 for children 12 and under. Sky updates follow all shows.