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
2019-20 Planetarium Shows (PDF of flyer)
Thursday, October 3, 2019, 7:00 p.m.
Water, Water (Ice) Everywhere
The outer solar system was thought to be too cold for liquid water, but the many of the moons have ice and even internal oceans.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019, 7:00 p.m.
Astronomy Short Stories (Student Showcase)
The astronomers and science teachers of tomorrow (IUP undergraduates) are preparing an evening in the planetarium just for you! Come by and see the talent of tomorrow in actionprevious showcases have been fun and memorable.
Friday, February 28, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Astronomy and Calendars
Leap day is a good time to reflect on the complexity of the calendar. What does astronomy have to do with calendars? Come find out.
CANCELED:
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.
Check out other events in the Geography, Geology, Environment, and Planning Department.
Previous Years
- 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 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)