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
- 2022-23:(PDF flyer of all of the 2022–23 planetarium shows and additional information)
- 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)