Welcome to the Radford University Planetarium!

James Webb Space Telescope Community Event
James Webb Space Telescope Community Event, June 10-11 (Friday and Saturday). The observatory, which is designed to see the universe in the infrared, will push the field of astronomy into a new era. The JWST will extend the scientific discoveries of other NASA missions like the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite.

The Radford University Planetarium has joined hundreds of sites across the country to celebrate the release of the first science images from the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s next great space science observatory. The Radford University Planetarium will offer a range of public programs to bring the excitement of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) for all ages, and to everyone in the New River Valley and beyond. This will be on June 10-11 (Friday-Saturday) and everyone is invited. Our two-day event will feature multiple planetarium shows, the neighboring Museum of the Earth Sciences, many science-themed activities, games, displays, and more. 

Our last regular planetarium show of the spring semester was Tuesday, April 26, at 7:00pm. Thanks to everyone who was able to join us this semester. There will be a few special showings this summer. Please check this site, and the planetarium Instagram and Facebook page for those.

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Please be advised of the following:

  • The Commonwealth of Virginia and Radford University no longer has a masking requirement. However, you are welcome to wear a mask at any of our shows. 
  • Radford University is advising anyone who is ill or feeling ill to remain at home. 
  • We know this is difficult, but we ask for your patience and assistance as we attempt to navigate these challenging times. 
Planetarium location map
Planetarium location map
  • 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. 

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