EXPLORE THE STARS AT SPC'S PLANETARIUM AND OBSERVATORY

The St. Petersburg College Planetarium and Observatory are great places for all ages to explore the universe. The planetarium is a "star theater" with a 24-foot domed ceiling that can accurately simulate the night sky at any time or location on Earth.

FREE FRIDAY PLANETARIUM SHOWS

Explore the stars without trekking far from home, for a price that's out of this world: Free. The planetarium offers two free public shows on Friday nights at 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. when the college is in session. Shows are hosted by resident astronomer Dr. Craig Joseph and feature live narration with images displayed by computer-controlled projectors.

The planetarium comfortably seats 46 and admission is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Planetarium shows last approximately 45 minutes, and no one can be admitted after the show begins. Children are welcome as long as they are 5 or older. The observatory and portable telescopes are available to the public after planetarium shows, weather permitting. Because of the extended daylight hours during the summer, telescope viewing is possible only after the 8:15 show.

Winter Skies

January 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6
The cool winter nights offer some of the best stargazing of the year, with the great hunter Orion dominating the evening sky. Stop by and view the Great Orion Nebula, the Pleiades star cluster, and brilliant Venus with our rooftop telescopes.

The Stars of Spring

March 20, 27; April 3, 17, 24; May 1, 8 Springtime brings the Big Dipper back to the evening sky, along with everyone's favorite lion - Leo! Visit the planetarium and learn about the myriad of galaxies that populate this part of the sky.

Note: The planetarium will be closed March 13 for spring break, and April 10 for spring holiday.

ROOFTOP OBSERVATORY

The St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus is also home to a rooftop observatory, featuring a 20-inch reflecting telescope that is open to students and the public after planetarium shows. Additional telescopes are available on our spacious third floor observation deck. Special telescopes equipped with solar filters allow daytime visitors to safely view sunspots, prominences and other solar activity.

SCHEDULE YOUR GROUP EVENT

Have a club, school group or other community organization that wants to reserve the planetarium? These groups can reserve the planetarium for free special programs on dates and times they choose other than Friday evenings. For group reservations:

PLANETARIUM LOCATION

The Planetarium is located on the second floor of the Natural Science Building (SC 205) on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus located at on 69th Street North at 5th Avenue. Free parking is available for the celestial shows.

CONTACTS

For questions about the planetarium, contact Craig Joseph at 727-341-4320 or email joseph.craig@spcollege.edu.

Planetarium Gallery

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