ECLIPSE VIEWING
On April 8, parts of the U.S. will be treated to a total eclipse of the sun. The path of totality is a narrow swath that extends from Texas to Maine. In the Tampa Bay area, we will see a partial eclipse, with 65 percent of the sun covered by the moon at mid-eclipse.
The SPC planetarium will host free public viewing of the eclipse on April 8 (weather permitting). The eclipse begins at 1:43 p.m. local time. Maximum eclipse occurs at 2:59 p.m., and the eclipse ends at 4:14 p.m. Eclipse viewers and specially equipped telescopes will be available in the “quad” area of the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus, near the Natural Science building, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Visitors are asked to park only in the north and west lots, as shown in the map below. Both lots are accessible from 69th Street and 5th Ave. North. Please do not park in any other areas. Classes will be in session, and the other parking lots must be available for use by students, faculty, and staff. Parking will be limited, so please consider this before making a long trip!
For questions or additional information, contact the planetarium director at 727-341-4568, or joseph.craig@spcollege.edu.
Campus Map - Eclipse Parking
FREE PLANETARIUM SHOWS
Explore the stars without trekking far from home - for a price that's out of this world: Free! The planetarium offers free public shows on Wednesday and Friday evenings 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 walk-in basis (first-come, first-served). 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 Wednesday evening planetarium shows, visitors are invited to the observation deck for telescope viewing (weather permitting).
Winter/Spring Showtimes:
Wednesdays at 7 pm (Jan., Feb., March)
Wednesdays at 8 pm (April and May)
Fridays at 7 pm
Please note that our Wednesday showtimes change throughout the year because of the changing hours of darkness. Telescope viewing is only on Wednesday evenings.
Stars of Winter
Jan. 17, 19, 24, 26, 31; Feb. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28; March 1, 6, 8
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 enjoy a tour of the sky, including the Great Orion Nebula and brilliant Jupiter, king of the planets.
Rites of Spring
March 20, 22, 27; April 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26; May 1, 3, 8, 10
Springtime brings the Big Dipper back to the evening sky, along with a spectacular eclipse of the Sun! Visit the planetarium and learn about the myriad of galaxies that populate the evening sky during the spring months.
Note:
The planetarium will be closed March 13 and March 15 for spring break, and March 29 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 Wednesday 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 on 69th Street North at 5th Avenue. Free parking is available for the celestial shows.
SCHEDULE YOUR GROUP EVENT
Clubs, school groups, and other community organizations can reserve the planetarium for free special programs – morning, afternoon or evening (for evening shows, only Mondays and Tuesdays are available). For group reservations:
Planetarium Gallery
