FREE PLANETARIUM SHOWS
Explore the stars without trekking far from home, for a price that is out of this world – Free! The planetarium offers free public shows on Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. and Friday evenings at 7 p.m. During October, there will be an additional show at 8:30 pm on Fridays. The 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-served basis. No reservations are required. 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. Following the Thursday evening planetarium shows, visitors are invited to the observation deck for telescope viewing.
Legends of the Fall
Sept. 29 and 30; Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28; Nov. 3, 4, 10
The autumn skies are filled with constellations intertwined in Greek myth and lore. Learn some of the stories playing out in the evening sky this fall. After the Thursday shows (and the Friday shows in October), join us on the observation deck for telescope views of Jupiter and Saturn!
If you are in the Halloween spirit, come visit our "Haunted Planetarium". During the month of October, the planetarium will have extended Friday hours with shows at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Weather permitting, there will be telescope viewing after both shows. Our planetarium will be haunted by ghosts, ghouls, zombies, and other creatures of the night. Not recommended for very small children (suggested minimum age is 7 or 8). If you have any questions, please call!
Yuletide Skies
Nov. 17 and 18; Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9
Be sure to visit our Yuletide planetarium decorated for the holiday season! Go back in time 2000 years to see astronomical events that may have inspired the Biblical account of the "Christmas Star".
Note: The planetarium will be closed on Nov. 11 for Veteran’s Day, and Nov. 24 and 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Following the Dec. 9 show, the planetarium will be closed until classes resume in January.
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 Thursday evening planetarium shows. Additional portable 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.
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.
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 Thursday or Friday evenings. For group reservations:
Planetarium Gallery
