Planetarium and Observatory

The Copernican Planetarium and Observatory offers free programming to the Central community, school groups of all ages – public, private, and homeschools, community, and special interest groups. 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 2nd floor of Nicolaus Copernicus Hall (room 211). There is a seating capacity of 100 and the facility 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. These facilities are open during regularly scheduled events, or by appointment. Students have access through various courses taken in the department.

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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. Large groups should book their own event rather than attend public shows due to limited seating. Any interested groups are invited to schedule their own event through the Planetarium Director using the contact information in the side bar. We regret that we cannot book birthday parties, or events for individuals or individual families.

Doors to the planetarium open approximately 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 in order to maintain the dark environment in the room. We also have a NO FOOD, DRINK, CANDY, or GUM policy. We appreciate your help in taking 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.

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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