Radford University Planetarium
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Welcome to the Radford University Planetarium!
The Radford University Planetarium is located in the Center for the Sciences building (925 East Main Street) on the beautiful Radford University campus. The planetarium is the center for astronomy and space science education for the University and the surrounding area. We have regular free public shows and host numerous K-12 and community groups.
Our regular shows will be happening throughout the fall semester!
We will continue our regular evening shows on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 7 p.m., and Saturday mornings at 10:30am. The evening shows are for all audiences, while the Saturday morning shows - which will still have something for everyone! - will be geared more towards our younger audiences.
We will not have shows over our Fall Break (Friday-Sunday, October 6-8) or Thanksgiving (Nov. 18-26) due to Radford University being closed. Our last regular show in the fall will be on Saturday, December 2, at 10:30am.
If you have a special group of 20 or more people, and would like to arrange a show, please contact Dr. Rhett Herman, rherman@radford.edu, and I will try my best to make that happen (if possible).
SPECIAL EVENT!
On Saturday, October 14, from 10am-4pm, come join us for a day of free science activities centered around the partial annular eclipse happening on that day. Rain or shine! We will have eclipse-themed planetarium shows on the hour, and will have our regular partners including the neighboring Museum of the Earth Sciences, and departments in the Artis College of Science and Technology.
Saturdays @ 10:30 a.m.
"Audio Tour of the Solar System" Experience the solar system like never before - by traveling on a spacecraft that can turn the objects in space into sound!
This stunning 35 minute show transports you inside a special spacecraft that takes you to the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) to view the stars in the night sky, before lifting off into space to visit the Earth, Moon, Sun and all the planets of the Solar System. Unlike traditional planetarium shows the soundtrack takes the lead role. Each of the objects in space are represented with sounds as well as being presented with the incredible visuals. You will listen to the stars appear and hear the planets orbit around their heads. This means that this show is an immersive experience that can be enjoyed regardless of level of vision.
This show is designed to be educational for children but proves to be an entertaining experience for people of all ages.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays @ 7 p.m.
Currently "The Dark Mattery Mystery"
"The Dark Matter Mystery" What keeps Galaxies together? What are the building blocks of the Universe? What makes the Universe look the way it looks today? Researchers all around the world try to answer these questions. We know today that approximately a quarter of the Universe is filled with a mysterious glue: Dark Matter. We know that it is out there. But we have no idea what it is made out of. This planetarium show takes you on the biggest quest of contemporary astrophysics.
Starting Tuesday Sept. 26 "Secret Lives of Stars"
Not all stars are created equal. Some are massive. Others are tiny; almost insignificant. The specific characteristics of a star will determine what type of life it will lead, how long it might live and even the type of death it will die. We will witness the amazing variety of stars and peer into their secret lives. Narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart of TV's Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard, and the X-Men films.
- Location: Center for the Sciences room M75 (Main Street level). Enter through the doors from Parking Lot C. Click on the map for a larger image.
- All shows are free and everyone is welcome to come join us!
- Seating capacity for now: 50
- Shows include a tour of the nighttime sky using our full-dome projection system. Most shows will also have a full-dome, professionally produced show on an astronomical topic. The shows are described below.
- Parking for the evening (7pm) and Saturday morning shows in Lots C and B is free.
- Parking for daytime shows:
- There are 4 metered spaces in Lots C and B, next to the Center for the Sciences.
- There are also several metered spaces in the portion of Parking Lot A that lies directly between Martin Hall and Main Street.
- You can also pick up a free parking day pass by dropping by the Radford University Parking office in Heth Hall, or the Radford University Police Station (intersection of University Drive and Main Street).
- We have hearing-assist receivers for our sound system--please bring your own earphones (1/16 inch [3.5mm] stereo jack).
- No food or drinks allowed in the planetarium!
For more information, contact Planetarium Director Dr. Rhett Herman at rherman@radford.edu.
Schedule a Group Visit
We will resume special showings once the current crisis is resolved. Once that happens, special group showings for groups of 20 or more people may be arranged by contacting Dr. Rhett Herman at rherman@radford.edu (email preferred) or calling 540-831-5441.