Peterson Planetarium

At Peterson Planetarium, audiences of all ages can learn about the solar system, gaze at stars and even participate in STEM activities. Our programming serves a variety of community and university audiences.

The planetarium offers educational outreach and serves as a teaching facility for various university courses, as well as local school districts and the community. The theatre seats 34 under a 24-foot projection screen dome. A Spitz 512 star projector was installed in 1996 and the entire facility was renovated in 2014, including the addition of hemispherical mirror projection to provide full dome audio video programming. In 2019, an LED lamp was installed inside the Spitz star ball which replaced the older arc-lamp illumination technology. The LED lamp is a huge asset that will provide extended use through 2059. In 2023, new carpeting was installed in the planetarium and the all-dome digital projector was upgraded with a laser illumination system providing extended use and digital media interaction. Digital encoders and motors were also added to the Spitz projector which helped presenters move away from operating the projector with knobs and buttons. Now presenters can remotely operate the star ball projector from anywhere within the theatre and engage with audience members via an iPad. In 2024, NASA grant money through the Kansas Space Grant Consortium helped fund the acquisition of new all-dome programs. A listing of these shows can be found on the Peterson Planetarium Shows page.

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT!

The Peterson Planetarium, located in Science Hall 031, Is currently holding public programs on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Attendees can come and enjoy a live night sky tour and an all-dome presentation. A list of our shows and show times can be found on our reservations page.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior and plan to be in the planetarium for approximately one hour. Our shows are free and open to the public and appropriate for ages 5 and up. A $25 group donation is suggested.

We also take special requests such as K-12 classes or after-school programs, university or community groups, pre-game and campus tours. We are working to accommodate special events such birthdays, anniversaries, and even proposals. Stay tuned!

In the event of inclement or severe weather, planetarium shows may be cancelled at the discretion of the planetarium director and/or Emporia State University Public Safety personnel. We will attempt to contact you in the event cancellation is warranted.

In order that we do not overbook, you must make a reservation on the planetarium shows page. For all other inquiries or special events/requests, please contact us via email at stemoutreach@emporia.edu or by calling 620-341-5636.

Climate Change in our Backyard

Climate change is a “hot topic” – with myths and falsehoods circulating widely. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate change is already affecting every region on Earth. We see changes in rainfall patterns, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, warming oceans, and extreme weather events.

As we develop a deeper understanding of our Earth, we come to see it as a complex, interconnected, remarkable world, and one that humans have impacted directly. Explore the role of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, the natural temperature variations that the Earth has experienced over millions of years, and how humans are affecting our planet today. How are scientists learning about our changing climate, and what strategies are people from all across the world taking to protect our future? April is sometimes considered Earth Month with Earth Day culminating on April 22nd. Climate Change in Our Backyard illuminates the story of how and why our climate is changing, from a remote mountain shack in the Colorado Rockies, through ancient bubbles in Antarctic ice, and into our own homes. This 20-minute all-dome program is appropriate for all ages.

Prior to the show, enjoy a live night sky presentation by Peterson Planetarium Director, Mark Brown as he introduces you to the stars, constellations, and planets over Emporia.

Showtimes for April:

• Thursday, April 3 at 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 9 at 6 p.m.
• Saturday, April 12 at 10 a.m.
• Thursday, April 17 at 4 p.m.
• Thursday, April 24 at 4 p.m.

Each attendee must register at emporia.edu/planetarium. Show tickets are free and open to the public.

Star Parties!

On occasion, the Peterson Planetarium does host Star Parties to look at visible planets, the Moon or some other interesting celestial event. Dates and locations are determined by the moon phase and weather conditions. Upcoming star parties and events will normally be announced on the ESU STEM Outreach facebook Facebook and instagramInstagram pages