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

Fall 2023 Planetarium Shows

(pdf of full schedule)

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

Mon., Sept. 25, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

  • Awaiting the Darkening
    Two solar eclipses will dazzle the US in the next eight months. Where can you see them, what will
    you see, and how can you safely watch? Come find out.

Wed., Oct. 25, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

  • Many Nations, One World: The Moon
    The new rush is beginning! More countries than you can count on one hand have serious plans to
    explore the Moon in the next few years. What makes the Moon so interesting to so many? We’ll
    examine the answers to this question.

Sat., Nov. 18, 2023, 10:00 a.m. and Mon. Nov. 20, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

  • What This Planetarium Can Do!
    As we prepare to retire the venerable Spitz planetarium projector after 57 years of service, we’ll take a last nostalgic look at what it shows, how it was revolutionary for its time, and what the future holds for planetariums.

Watch for shows in the Cejka Planetarium in the new Kopchick Hall in spring 2024!

The new home for science at IUP will open in 2024. It includes a state-of-the-art digital planetarium. Watch for the schedule of shows in this new, exciting facility.

Previous Years