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 38 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 and a supplemental digital projector allowing digital media interaction.

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT!

Beginning in March, public programs will return to the Peterson Planetarium! On Thursday, March 7th, 14th and 28th come and enjoy a live night sky tour and the full-dome video presentation, "Dancing Among the Stars" - A program about the seasons and other cool stuff!

Program start time will be at 4:00 pm in the Peterson Planetarium (Science Hall 031). 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, birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, pre-game, and campus tours.

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.

INTERNATIONAL OBSERVE THE MOON NIGHT

Join us on Saturday, September 14th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for NASA’s annual International Observe the Moon Night! International Observe the Moon Night is held when the Moon is around first quarter ― a great phase for evening observing. It is an annual worldwide public engagement program that encourages observation, appreciation and understanding of our Moon and its connection to planetary science and exploration. This year's event will take place at Emporia State University’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center (PAROC).

Before the moon comes into view that night, join NASA Solar System Ambassador and Peterson Planetarium director, Mark Brown for a talk about Artemis and NASA’s return to the Moon. Afterward, enjoy moon viewing through our telescopes and other STEM outreach activities. This event is free and open to the public.

PAROC is located at 601 E. 18th Ave., Emporia, KS. For more information, please contact us at stemoutreach@emporia.edu

Star Parties!

The Peterson Planetarium hosts Star Parties to look at visible planets and the moon. Dates and locations are determined by the moon phase and clouds in the sky.