Planetarium and Observatory

The Copernican Planetarium and Observatory offers free programming to the general public and the Central community, including classes, clubs, schools, and community groups. This includes planetarium shows, observing sessions, and other special events. The Planetarium and Observatory are housed in the Earth and Space Sciences Department, which offers a B.S. in Earth Science and minors in Astronomy and Astrobiology.

Our Facilities

The planetarium is located on the main (2nd) floor of Nicolaus Copernicus Hall (room 211). It seats 100 guests and is wheelchair accessible. The rooftop observatory features a 16-inch Cassegrain telescope. Visiting the observatory requires climbing stairs, but the 6th floor observing platform (featuring a variety of portable telescopes) is wheelchair accessible. All of these facilities are only open during regularly scheduled events, or by appointment. Students have access through various courses taken in the department.

Visit Us

A schedule of general public shows is posted below, and directions are found through the side bar. Public shows are not suitable for children age 5 and younger. Schools or day cares should contact the planetarium director to book a special, age-appropriate show for younger children. Large groups should book their own events rather than attend public shows due to limited seating. All schools and community groups (including scouts, PTOs, home schooling groups, libraries, and assisted living facilities) as well as Central classes and clubs are invited to schedule their own shows or observing sessions, using the contact information in the side bar. We regret that we cannot book birthday parties or events for individuals or individual families.

Seating for all shows is on a first-come basis, and the doors normally open 30 minutes before the published start time. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the show begins, as we begin promptly. We regret that we cannot seat late-arriving visitors after the lights have been turned off due to safety concerns. We also have a NO FOOD, DRINK, CANDY, or GUM policy. Thank you for helping us take care of our facilities.

The planetarium follows Central’s inclement weather policy and will be closed when a storm or other emergency causes a University closure.

After all of our evening planetarium shows, we offer observing with a variety of telescopes, if skies are clear.

Support Our Mission

Our free programming is made possible through the financial support of Central’s School of Engineering, Science, and Technology, and generous donations from our visitors. Please consider making a donation of any size if you have enjoyed our programming.

Current Public Shows

The most up-to-date information can be found through our social media. See link buttons in the side bar.

Upcoming Public Shows