Experience the Planetarium to learn about astronomy
FREE PLANETARIUM SHOWS
Explore the stars without trekking far from home — for a price that's out of this world: Free! The planetarium offers free public shows on Wednesday and Friday evenings when the college is in session. Shows are hosted by resident astronomer Dr. Craig Joseph and feature live narration with images displayed by computer-controlled projectors.
The planetarium comfortably seats 46, and admission is on a walk-in basis (first-come, first-served). No reservations are required. Planetarium shows last approximately 45 minutes, and no one can be admitted after the show begins. Children are welcome but must be at least 5 or older. Following the Wednesday evening planetarium shows, visitors are invited to the observation deck for telescope viewing (weather permitting).
Showtimes:
Wednesdays at 8 p.m. (Aug. 19 — Sept. 23); 7 p.m. (Sept 30 — Dec. 9)
Fridays at 7 p.m. (During October, there will be an additional Friday show at 8:30 p.m.)
CURRENT SCHEDULE
The Ringed Giant
August 19, 21, 26, 28; September 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25
During the warm evenings of late summer, the bright stars of the summer triangle shine high overhead, while the unmistakable shape of the scorpion continues to dominate the southern sky. As the summer winds down, a newcomer makes its debut in the evening sky — beautiful Saturn! Visit the planetarium and learn about this ringed giant and its entourage of moons.
Showtimes: Wednesday at 8 p.m. and Friday at 7 p.m.
The Stars of Fall
September 30; October 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30; November 4, 6, 13
The autumn skies are filled with constellations intertwined in Greek myth and lore. Learn some of the stories playing out in the evening sky this fall.
If you are in the Halloween spirit, come visit our “Haunted Planetarium”! During the month of October, our planetarium will be haunted by ghosts, ghouls, zombies, and other creatures of the night. Shows at 7 pm and 8:30 pm every Friday in October. Not recommended for very small children (suggested minimum age is 7). If you have any questions, please call!
Showtimes: Wednesday and Friday at 7 p.m. (with an additional 8:30 p.m. show every Friday in October)
Yuletide Skies
November 18, 20; December 2, 4, 9, 11
Be sure to visit our Yuletide planetarium decorated for the holiday season! Go back in time 2000 years to see astronomical events that may have inspired the Biblical account of the “Christmas Star”.
Showtimes: Wednesday and Friday at 7 p.m.
Note:
The planetarium will be closed on November 11 for Veteran’s Day, and November 25 and 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Following the December 11 show, the planetarium will be closed until classes resume in January.
OBSERVATORY
The St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus is also home to a rooftop observatory, featuring a 20-inch reflecting telescope that is open to students and the public after Wednesday evening planetarium shows. Additional portable telescopes are available on our spacious third floor observation deck. Special telescopes equipped with solar filters allow daytime visitors to safely view sunspots, prominences and other solar activity.
PLANETARIUM LOCATION
The SPC Planetarium is located on the second floor of the Natural Science Building (SC 205) on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, located on 69th Street North at 5th Avenue. Free parking is available for the celestial shows.
SCHEDULE YOUR GROUP EVENT
Clubs, school groups, and other community organizations can reserve the planetarium for free special programs — morning, afternoon or evening (for evening shows, only Mondays and Tuesdays are available). For group reservations:
Planetarium Gallery
