PLANETARIUM NOW OPEN FOR IN-PERSON SHOWS
The roofing work is now completed, and planetarium shows will resume beginning August 21. The schedule for the next month is posted below. The schedule for the remainder of the fall term will be posted shortly. The showtimes will be Wednesdays at 8 pm (through the end of September) and Fridays at 7 pm. Beginning in October, the Wednesday showtimes will change to 7 pm.
Unfortunately, the rooftop observation deck is still not in a usable condition. Consequently, our post-show skygazing and telescope viewing will be greatly curtailed. The college is working to get the deck back to its original condition, but this may take several weeks. Please check back for updates.
The Stars of Summer
August 21, 23, 28, 30; September 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20
The stars of the summer triangle shine high overhead, the Big Dipper hangs low in the northwest, and the tail of the scorpion dominates the southern sky. The summer sky tells a story of stellar birth and stellar death. Learn about the diverse types of stars that adorn the summer sky, and how these stars are born, live and die. And as the summer closes, beautiful Saturn begins to peek above the eastern horizon, ending a long dry spell of a sky without planets!
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 as long as they are 5 or older. Following the Wednesday evening planetarium shows, visitors are invited to the observation deck for telescope viewing (weather permitting).
ROOFTOP 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 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
