IUP Planetarium

The Geography, Geology, Environment, and Planning Department is home to a planetarium nine meters (30 feet) in diameter and houses a 1966 Spitz A3P projector. This outstanding teaching tool is used extensively in undergraduate instruction, both in introductory astronomy courses and in classes for Earth and Space Science teaching majors.

Group visits to the planetarium by schools, scouts, or adult groups are possible as staff time and availability permit. Interested groups are asked to contact Professor Ken Coles at kcoles@iup.edu well in advance to allow time for scheduling.

Several public planetarium shows are scheduled each year to encourage the campus and community to visit and enjoy the planetarium. All shows are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

Location for all shows: Weyandt Hall, Room 134

2022–23 Planetarium Shows

(pdf of full schedule)

Check out other events in the Geography, Geology, Environment, and Planning Department.

Sat., Oct. 8, 2022, 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

• Daring to Approach the Fire
  We know the influence of the Sun on Earth and living things. How is it possible to engineer a probe to fly closer to our star than even the planet Mercury? What can it tell us?

Thurs., Nov. 3, 2022, 7:00 p.m.

• How to Photograph a Black Hole
  We've all heard that you can't see a black hole because light can't escape. How can we tell they are there, and what they are like? We'll explore the latest ideas.

Mon., Feb. 28, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

• Winter Wonders
  The winter constellations Orion and Taurus contain marvelous objects that are favorites for small telescopes and binoculars. They’re pretty, but they can also tell us a lot.

Weds., Mar. 29, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

• Sampling an Asteroid
  A NASA mission grabbed a sample of an asteroid left over from the beginning of the solar system. How can this be done remotely, and what will we learn from the sample when it arrives on Earth in September 2023? Come find out.

Previous Years

• 2019–20: (PDF flyer of all 2019–20 planetarium shows and additional information)
• 2018–19:(PDF flyer of all 2018–19 planetarium shows and additional information)
• 2017–18:(PDF flyer of all 2017–18 planetarium shows and additional information)
• 50th Anniversary Shows in Spring 2017 (PDF flyer of the celebration shows schedule)
• 2016–17: (PDF flyer of all 2016–17 planetarium shows and additional information)
• 2015–16: (PDF flyer of all 2015–16 planetarium shows and additional information)
• 2014–15: (PDF flyer of all 2014–15 planetarium shows and additional information)
• 2013–14: (PDF flyer of all 2013–14 planetarium shows and additional information)
• 2012–13: (PDF flyer of all 2012–13 planetarium shows and additional information)
• 2011–12: Dr. Coles was on sabbatical this year
• 2010–11: (PDF flyer of all 2010–11 planetarium shows and additional information)
• 2009–10: (PDF flyer of all 2009–10 planetarium shows and additional information)