Upcoming Public Shows
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. Whittenberger Planetarium plans to host a variety of shows and topics this season which are open to the public as scheduled below.
| Date | Time | Week Day | Show |
| May 17 | Saturday | Astronomy Day & Centennial Celebration of the Planetarium Projector | |
| May 17 | 3:00 PM | Saturday | Toddler Mythology (30 min) |
| May 17 | 4:30 PM | Saturday | General Audience Mythology (60 min) |
| May 17 | 7:00 PM | Saturday | Centennial Celebration of the Planetarium Project—Planetary Motion |
| May 17 | 8:30 PM | Saturday | Centennial Celebration of the Planetarium Project—Phases of the Moon |
| May 17 | 9:30 PM | Saturday | Weather permitting— viewing through telescopes near the Greenhouse —dress appropriately |
Field Trips to the Planetarium
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
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Tuesdays, Thursdays - 10:00 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
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.
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
