The Geography, Geology, Environment, and Planning Department is home to the new Cejka Planetarium in Kopchick Hall. This digital planetarium is 35 feet in diameter and is used extensively for educational outreach as well as in undergraduate instruction, both for 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: Second floor of Kopchick Hall. The Cejka Planetarium is just inside the Oak Grove doors.
Spring 2024 Planetarium Shows
Check out other events in the Geography, Geology, Environment, and Planning Department.
Astronomy and Calendars
- Mon., Feb. 19, 7:00 p.m.
- 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.
The American Total Solar Eclipse of 2024
- For the last time until 2045, that most stunning and rare of astronomical events, a total solar eclipse, will cross the contiguous US. Start planning for the sight of a lifetime. We’ve scheduled multiple presentations to give everyone a chance to attend.
- Three Shows:
- Thurs., March 7, 7:00 p.m.
- Mon., March 18, 7:00 p.m.
- Sat., March 30, 11:00 a.m.
Far from Home: Perseverance on Mars
- Tues., May 14, 7:00 p.m.
- The latest in a series of rovers on the red planet is making many discoveries, aided by a helicopter. How does it change our understanding of Mars? Some is as expected, but some is surprising.
Previous Years
- Fall 2023: (PDF flyer of all of the 2022–23 planetarium shows and additional information)
- 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)
- Spring 2017 50th anniversary shows (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: Prof. 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)