Peterson Planetarium
Join us on a journey to the stars and beyond
Celebrating 65 Years! The legacy of the Peterson Planetarium lives on as a testament to the enduring impact of scientific curiosity and educational outreach, leaving an indelible mark on the community and beyond.
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.
About the Planetarium
Learn more about the planetarium, our history, and more.
"FORWARD! To The Moon."
There’s a new show at the Peterson Planetarium! Join us in November and December for“FORWARD! To the Moon.” In this 26-minute full-dome production, Kari Bryon from CrashTest World and MythBusters launches us on a journey beyond the Earth towards asustainable future in space. NASA’s 21st century Artemis program, named after the Greekmoon goddess and twin of Apollo, is the next step in our mission to explore the universeand land the first woman and person of color on the surface of the Moon. Prior to the show,enjoy a live night sky presentation by Peterson Planetarium Director, Mark Brown as heintroduces you to the night sky over Emporia.
Show Times: Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. (November 7, 14, 21 and December 5 and 12)
Each attendee must register at emporia.edu/planetarium. Show tickets are free and open to the public.
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.
Planetarium Shows
The Planetarium has several shows open to the public from Astronomy to Earth and Physical Science. Check them out by selecting the link below!