Planetarium

The SUNY Oneonta planetarium operates the Evans & Sutherland Digistar 6 system- one of the world's most advanced fulldome digital theater systems! It features a digital projector capable of bringing you sharp views of the stars, planets, and constellations visible in the night sky. Additionally, the system can show full dome movies and animations, providing you with a complete planetarium show experience.

The planetarium is used in a variety of science classes across campus, and offers a fun and enriching experience for all students. Are you a student interested in learning more about the planetarium? Join the Nebula Society! This student-run organization designs and runs shows for the campus community, and all majors are welcome!

Planetarium shows for the general public and school groups are also available during the school year. See below for our current show schedule.

Public Planetarium Shows- Spring 2024

  • The SUNY Oneonta planetarium now offers family-friendly shows for the public on Friday and Saturday nights.
  • Tickets are $3 per person per show and can be purchased through Eventbrite. This small fee helps us offset the increasing cost of planetarium maintenance and allow us to offer the highly requested Saturday shows.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes early as doors close promptly at showtime.

Show Schedule and Topics

The Sky Tonight shows are a 45 minute live presentation of constellations in the night sky, science in the universe, and current events. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.

  • 2/9 at 7:00 p.m. - The Sky Tonight: Exploring Orion
  • 2/23 at 7:00 p.m.- The Sky Tonight: Exploring Orion
  • 3/8 at 7:00 p.m. - The Sky Tonight: Solar Eclipses and Space Weather
  • 3/22 at 7:00 p.m. - The Sky Tonight: Solar Eclipses and Space Weather
  • 4/5 at 7:00 p.m. - The Sky Tonight: Solar Eclipses and Space Weather
  • 4/19 at 7:00 p.m. - The Sky Tonight: James Webb Space Telescope Discoveries
  • 5/3 at 7:00 p.m. - The Sky Tonight: James Webb Space Telescope Discoveries

Every Saturday starting March 2nd we will offer three 45-minute planetarium shows geared towards different age groups. Show offerings from March to May are listed below. Tickets for all shows can be purchased through Eventbrite.

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: Max Goes to the Moon
In this 35-minute film, we follow a dog named Max on his journey to the Moon. A brief tour of the night sky and constellations will be shown after the movie. (Best for ages 3-12)

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: The Sky Tonight
This 45 minute live tour of the night sky showcases the constellations visible in the sky tonight and takes you on a journey through our Solar System and beyond. (Best for all ages)

1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.: Out There: Quest for Exoplanets
This 30-minute film shares how astronomers search for planets beyond our solar system and highlights some of the major discoveries made so far. A brief tour of the night sky and constellations will be shown after the movie. (Best for ages 8 and up)

Additional ticket information

  • Lap children 2 and under do not require a ticket. Tickets are non-refundable unless shows are cancelled due to weather. Doors close right at showtime, so please arrive 15 minutes early.
  • Ticket fees only apply to the shows listed above. They do not apply to student events, college admission/alumni events, or school field trips. Please contact the Science Discovery Center with any questions.

Purchase tickets through Eventbrite

We hope to continue to offer Saturday planetarium shows throughout the summer, and will change the show offerings periodically! Check back for more information.

School, Community and Private Groups

We regularly host educational groups from preschool through high school for planetarium shows that supplement in-class instructional units and also offer private planetarium shows.

Learn more about field trip and group visit opportunities

Contact

Perna Science Building, Room 018A

If you have questions about the planetarium, please contact:

Location: The planetarium is located in the basement of Perna Science. Enter through the main doors on the West side of the building and follow signs to the planetarium entrance.

Parking: Visitors may park in any staff/commuter/visitor parking lots after 6pm and on Saturdays without a parking permit. The closest parking area is the Faculty/Staff lot 32, South of the Perna Science Building. Parking Map

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