Planetarium Schedule

Summer 2025 Schedule

We are pleased to offer a more open schedule this summer with two presenters! Whittenberger Planetarium plans to host a variety of shows and topics this summer which are open to the public as scheduled below. Please check back for additional shows and updates.  The campus and planetarium are closed June 30-July 4.

Field Trips to the Planetarium

The Whittenberger Planetarium can be used effectively as a tool in a variety of disciplines — science (earth science, astronomy), social studies (history, navigation, cultural topics), and English (storytelling, mythology) — and the program can be adjusted to fit your needs/interests.

Booking and payment for field trip daytime shows are done through this field trip link, or at the top of the page.  

All shows starting after 4:00 p.m. are charged evening rates and will be scheduled individually. Please contact the Planetarium for more information. 

Field Trip Show Times

• Almost daily, weekdays – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Evenings & Saturdays - By appointment

Rates, room capacity, and accessibility are described below.

Evening and Saturday showings are by appointment. 

Capacity

• There are 45 fixed seats and two wheelchair-designated spaces in the Planetarium.
• No more than two wheelchairs can be admitted at one time. 

Reservation Timeline

All group visits, including payment, must be finalized two weeks before your visit.  Failure to pay by 5 p.m. the Friday before your visit will result in the cancellation of your scheduled trip.

Cost

All shows starting after 4:00pm are charged evening rates and will be scheduled individually.  Please contact the Planetarium for more information.

The show begins at the time of reservation and ends at the corresponding end time. We strongly encourage groups to be in their seats and ready to begin promptly at the start of the reserved time. There are no reimbursements for late arrivals and consequently shortened programs.

Daytime (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. start time)

• $90       30-min
• $115     45-min
• $140     60-min

Evenings (4:30-7:30 start time),

• $140     45-min
• $160     60-min

Saturdays (by appointment)

• $200     30-, 45-, 60-min 

Accessibility

The planetarium is down a flight of ten steps. There is a lift available for patrons who require assistance with the stairs. Please arrive early if you need to utilize the lift. There are two wheelchair-designated spaces in the Planetarium and no more than two wheelchairs can be admitted at one time.

Ages & Topics

Shows generally begin with a tour of the night sky—a few constellations and the locations of the visible planets, moon, and sun.  Depending upon the show's length, other topics can be added.  Here are suggestions (all adjusted for age level): 

• Pre-K through 2nd grade: Nursery Rhyme show  (30-minute show recommended)
• 2nd grade and up:  Tour of the Solar System (or focus on a specific planet(s))
• 2nd grade and up:  Phases of the Moon
• 3rd grade and up:  Earth’s Place in the Universe
• 5th grade and up:  Seasons
• 7th grade and up:  Seasonal skies: Circumpolar Motion; Navigation
• 8th grade and up:  Zodiacal constellations
• If you have very specific topics that might require extra planning on our part please contact us as soon as you have scheduled your group.
• Visit the Stars at Whittenberger Planetarium
• The planetarium's projector sits under a 24-foot dome. The projector can show northern and limited southern constellations, all planets visible to the unaided eye, the sun, moon, a few deep space objects, and both nightly and annual motions of all of the above.

Visit the Stars at Whittenberger Planetarium

Description of Public Shows

Summer Solstice

Learn the meaning of the equinoxes and solstices, the circumstances that bring them about, and an overview of the constellations, planets, and moon we can see in the June sky.  A brief discussion of the upcoming eclipse will also be included.

Mythology of the Stars

Centennial Celebration Series—The North Star

This show is part of an ongoing series to celebrate the centennial of the first planetarium projector and its power as both an instrument for teaching and for appreciation of the wonders of the universe. This show will be about the North Star and stellar navigation along with an overview of the night skies this month.

Toddler Nursery Rhyme Show

A fun, interactive program geared toward preschool/early elementary, but all ages welcome.  The planetarium will be quite dark in order to see the stars, but low light may be provided for general comfort and exit/re-entry needs. Participation with nursery rhymes is encouraged.  Expect some extra talking among participants, but be considerate of others with especially fussy babies or children—consider leaving and re-entering if it seems appropriate.