The 51ÁÔÆæ Planetarium connects the community to the beauty of the night sky and the wonders of the cosmos through live, interactive programs that spark curiosity and share science in a welcoming atmosphere for all.
We are open to the public. Join us under the night sky in our planetarium theater for one of our upcoming events or set up a private reservation. We offer:
- Friday Night Shows
- Our Shared Sky cultural events
- Outdoor stargazing (weather permitting)
- Other public events
- Private birthday parties
- School field trips
- Other special occasions
The Planetarium Theater
The 51ÁÔÆæ Planetarium is equipped with a Spitz A3P optomechanical projector that projects stars, planets, the Sun, and the Moon on the Planetarium’s 30-foot dome. Four digital projectors and separate special projectors are also used for visual effects such a rotating Milky Way Galaxy and the Aurora Borealis.
Find an Event to AttendThe Observatory Deck
The Observatory deck on the roof of the Physics building is used for our outdoor stargazing sessions. We use a 14 inch Celestron on a Paramount MX+ robotic pedestal mount for stargazing. We also own and operate a 10″ Meade LX200, 8″ Celestron with Solar filter, and a 6″ Mead.
Learn More About the SkydeckThe Planetarium’s Impact
Every year, the 51ÁÔÆæ Planetarium hosts approximately 15,000 visitors including thousands of K-12 students, 51ÁÔÆæ faculty and staff, and many community members. We offer unique employment opportunities to 51ÁÔÆæ students, who gain real-life skills directly applicable to their majors and future careers. We also host special collaborations such as with Our Shared Sky, large-scale public events like the 2024 Solar Eclipse, and more.
Get InvolvedThe Planetarium’s History
Built in 1965, the 51ÁÔÆæ Planetarium opened its doors in 1966 and was named after Manfred Olson (1903-1966), a professor of physics from 1931 to 1963. A native of Wisconsin, Olson’s 32-year career took him to such places as the University of Chicago Metallurgical Laboratory (1943) and to Los Alamos, New Mexico (1947-1949) as senior physicist in the research and development of Geiger counter systems. Upon retiring from 51ÁÔÆæ in 1963, he became the Planetarium director and a part-time lecturer in the Physics Department.
Learn More About Our HistoryThe Planetarium Today
Dr. Jean Creighton became director of the 51ÁÔÆæ Planetarium in 2007 with the dream of heightening its visibility by offering astronomical programs to the general public and private groups such as scout and school groups. Under her directorship, interest and attendance at the Planetarium has skyrocketed, giving children and adults alike the opportunity to share in her enthusiasm and love for astronomy!
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