Welcome to the Radford University Planetarium

We are going to be able to continue our current Thursday/Friday/Saturday show schedule throughout the rest of the spring semester. This will happen from now until Saturday, April 24: 

• Thursdays @ 7pm
  
• Fridays @ 7pm
  
• Saturdays @ 10:30am

In order to attend a show, it is required that you email planets@radford.edu with your name, your phone number, the dates of the show that you would like to attend, and the total number of people in your group. This number can be from 1 to 10 people. We will have an absolute limit of 10 visitors per show, per state regulations. You must receive a confirmation email in order to attend any show. Please bring that email with you so we can verify that when you arrive (on your phone, with a printout, etc.). We will reply to all emails as soon as we can, with the show that you can attend. 

Starting on Thursday, February 18, our Thursday and Friday evening shows will be "Exoplanets" from the Casper Planetarium. Come join us as we first learn the planets in our solar system, and then learn about planets beyond our solar system and the techniques astronomers use to find them.  This show was produced by the Casper Planetarium and is a winner of the Associazione dei Planetari Italiani Planetarium Video  Competition.

Starting on Thursday, March 11, our Thursday and Friday evening shows will be "Big Astronomy" from our friends at...Big Astronomy!  After touring the night sky, this 26-minute full dome show describes how it takes many people with diverse backgrounds, talents, and skills to run a world-class observatory. Meet a few of these people as they share the wonder of the sky—and the excitement of discovery. Explore the world-class observatories nestled in northern Chile’s mountains and learn why Chile, with its beautiful mountain ranges and clear, cloudless skies create an ideal environment for studying the cosmos. After the show, if you don't mind sticking around for about 10 minutes, our friends at the Big Astronomy project (https://www.bigastronomy.org/ ) would love to talk with you about your experience in the show. This will be via video link, so you can stay right in the comfort of your seats! 

We know that Saturday mornings are great for our younger audiences. Starting Saturday, February 27, our Saturday morning show will be "Cosmix." "Cosmix" was produced by the Brno Observatory and Planetarium in the Czech Republic. Have you ever wondered how the astronauts do their job? After watching this show it will be absolutely clear to you! You will find out what a space flight looks like and how to prepare for it. You will jump from a spinning centrifuge straight into a cosmic rocket. And where it will take you? Why, to the International Space Station! You will learn to sleep in space, to cook a cosmic food, to use a cosmic toilet and - just to be sure - to wash yourselves properly. You won't miss a grand finale, though. And by that we mean a nerve-wracking return back to Earth in a red-hot spaceship cabin! Buckle up! This show is great for kids, ages 5 and up especially.

In order to continue operating in this reduced capacity in these difficult times, we need your assistance. Please be advised of the following:

• The Commonwealth of Virginia and Radford University have a masking requirement. Additional information is available at https://www.radford.edu/content/radfordcore/home/reopening/mask.html  
• Radford University is requiring visitors to complete the Daily Symptom Tracking for COVID-19 Screening, which isb available at http://www.radford.edu/symptom-tracker   The screening should be completed for any and all days that visitors will be on-campus. 
• Radford University is requiring physical distancing in any and all situations where possible.  For the Planetarium, we can arrange seating so that families can sit with each other, but non-family individuals and groups will be seated with at least six feet of physical distancing. We will have available seats clearly marked. 
• Radford University is advising anyone who is ill or feeling ill to remain at home. 
• Radford University reserves the right to deny access to campus for visitors who have traveled out of state in the last two weeks, especially if the individual has traveled to a high prevalence area.  (NOTE: Any out-of-state travel must be declared by visitors and documented on the Planetarium visitors' log.) 
• Each visitor will be provided the following statement to sign: "I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand Radford University’s expectations and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s requirements, including wearing a cloth mask, maintaining physical distancing, staying home if ill, etc."

We know this is difficult, but we ask for your patience and assistance as we attempt to navigate these challenging times.