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.

Incoming!

The Peterson Planetarium is launching a new all-dome presentation this March called, “Incoming!” During this program, audiences will discover how asteroids and comets have collided with our planet throughout history, changing the course of life on Earth and shaping the world we know today. Viewers will embark on a dynamic journey on the trail of asteroids and comets, get an up close look at the advanced technologies that allow scientists to detect asteroids before they reach Earth, and visualize historic space events billions of years in the making—all within an immersive, all-dome experience that brings the captivating story of our cosmic origins to life like never before.

Narrated by Star Trek’s George Takei, “Incoming!” explores the past, present, and future of our Solar System and the landmark discoveries scientists have made by sending spacecraft to visit tiny worlds.

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 March:

• Thursday, March 6 at 4 p.m.
• Saturday, March 8 at 10 a.m.
• Wednesday, March 12 at 6 p.m.
• Thursday, March 27 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