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WCU School/Group Planetarium Shows and Reservations

Submitted by Karen Vanlandingham on Thu, 04/01/2010 - 16:28

The Department of Geology and Astronomy operates the University Planetarium which houses a Spitz A-5 planetarium projector. The planetarium is used for astronomy class lectures and labs as well as for school and public programs. Approximately 50 schools and other groups attend the programs each year, and annual attendance approaches 2,000.  

We welcome school groups of all ages to the planetarium, including pre-K, as well as other private non-school groups (e.g. scout groups, Mom's clubs, etc).  However, teachers and parents should be aware that the planetarium gets extremely dark and very young children may find this frightening.  Shows are approximately one hour in length, including time for questions. A fee of $2 per person is charged for the show.

The planetarium seats 70 people.  Teachers with groups larger than this will have to split their classes into smaller sections.  Please remember to include teachers and chaperons when determining the size of your group.  We can provide two shows back-to-back to accommodate large groups or we can schedule shows on two separate dates.

A typical show for school groups consists mainly of a tour of the night sky.  This would include pointing out several of the prominent constellations visible at night and some of the mythological stories behind them, the phases of the Moon, the planets that can be seen with the unaided eye, and the motion of the Sun throughout the year.  Other topics can be included at the teacher's request.

To request a show for your group please fill out our reservation form.  Shows for the spring semester will be scheduled on Monday and Tuesday mornings.  There are no evening or weekend group shows.  This form is to be used to request a planetarium show for a school group or other private party.  If you interested the public planetarium shows please visit this page.

For additional information about our shows please e-mail Dr. Karen Vanlandingham.

***PLEASE NOTE - ALL SPRING DATES FOR GROUP SHOWS HAVE BEEN FILLED.  THE PLANETARIUM WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER.  WE WILL RE-OPEN FOR GROUP SHOWS IN AUGUST.***

 First and Last Name

 Name of School or Organization

 Contact E-mail

 Contact phone number, including area code

Desired start time for show (Shows are approximately one hour in length)

 Grade level or age of attendees

The total number of visitors including students, teachers, and chaperones (estimates are fine).  Please note that the planetarium cannot seat more than 70 people.

 Will the group be arriving by bus or private vehicles?

 Special requests (specific content, multiple groups, etc)