The Whittenberger Planetarium is home to a Spitz A3P optomechanical projector under a 24-foot dome that has been serving primarily as a public outreach facility since 1970. It is the annual destination of thousands of people throughout the Treasure Valley and beyond who experience the night sky, observational astronomy, and current events through live, interactive planetarium presentations. Programs are provided to school and home-school groups, scouts, the public, college classes, and more. We extended our outreach in the early 1990s with the purchase of a portable planetarium that is rented by schools and organizations throughout southwestern Idaho, central Oregon, and Nevada.
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 hosts a variety of shows and topics this season which are open to the public. View the schedule and make your reservation today!
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 the field trip link below. All shows starting after 4:00 p.m. are charged evening rates and will be scheduled individually.
Field Trip Show Times
Rates, room capacity, and accessibility are described below. Evening and Saturday showings are by appointment.
Capacity
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.
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)
Evenings (4:30-7:30 start time),
Saturdays (by appointment)
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.
The Planetarium hosts a variety of public shows for a range of audiences—current events; science-focused; storytelling; toddler shows; family-friendly; adult nights. Click below to see upcoming shows, dates, and times.
Purchase Now
Come visit us! Review the drop-down section above and then click below to choose show length, indicate any accessibility needs, and list preferred topics for your show (if you choose the tax-exempt option, enter your tax-exempt number at the time of payment)..
Schedule Now
The Starlab portable planetarium equipment is available for rental by outside groups, and the College offers a presenter on a limited basis or training for non-College presenters.
Rent NowLive on Good Morning Idaho, senior reporter Roland Beres was at The College of Idaho in learning more about the Whittenberger Planetarium.
Immerse yourself in educational and entertaining opportunities to learn about astronomy and the night sky. Come gaze at images of stars, planets and other celestial objects and revel in the feeling of being in the universe.
2112 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83605
208-459-5011 • 800-2C-IDAHO
