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).
Wednesday showtimes: 7 p.m. (Jan 15 – March 12); 8 p.m. (March 26 – May 7)
Friday Showtimes: 7 p.m. (All year round)
Note: Beginning March 26, Wednesday showtimes change to 8 p.m. to ensure dark skies for telescope viewing after the show.
CURRENT SCHEDULE
Parade of Planets
Jan. 15, 17, 22, 24; 29, 31; Feb. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28; March 5, 7, 12, 14
The cool winter nights offer some of the best stargazing of the year, with the great hunter Orion dominating the evening sky. But the real treat this winter is the plethora of planets that adorn the sky after sunset – Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Visit the planetarium and learn about our planetary neighbors!
Showtimes: Wednesday & Friday 7 p.m.
The Stars of Spring
March 26, 28; April 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 23, 25, 30; May 2, 7, 9
Springtime brings the Big Dipper back to the evening sky, along with the popular zodiac constellation Leo the Lion. But the main focus of the spring sky cannot be seen with your eyes alone - a myriad of distant galaxies. Learn about the work of Edwin Hubble and his discovery of the true nature of the “spiral nebulae”.
Showtimes: Wednesday 8 p.m., Friday 7 p.m.
Note: The planetarium will be closed March 19 and March 21 for spring break, and April 18 for spring holiday.
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
