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.

2024 Spring Semester

We will have our regular shows on Wednesdays @7pm, Thursdays @7pm, Fridays @7pm, and Saturdays 10:30am. 

No shows on Radford University's spring break - the last show before the break will be Thursday, Feb. 29 at 7pm. We will restart the shows after the break on Wednesday, March 13, at 7pm

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).

                                                                                                                                                        

FETTU

From Earth to the Universe - Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings @7pm

 

This stunning, 30-minute voyage through space and time conveys, through sparkling sights and sounds, the Universe revealed to us by science. Viewers can revel in the splendour of the worlds in the Solar System and our scorching Sun. From Earth to the Universe takes the audience out to the colourful birthplaces and burial grounds of stars, and still further out beyond the Milky Way to the unimaginable immensity of myriad galaxies.

Along the way, the audience will learn about the history of astronomy, the invention of the telescope, and today’s giant telescopes that allow us to probe ever deeper into the Universe.

The show was produced for the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Supernova Planetarium and Visitor Centre. 

 
 
 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                

Audio Universe Tour of the Solar System Poster (EN)

Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System - Saturdays @10:30am

Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System is a planetarium show, but unlike traditional shows the soundtrack takes the lead role.

All of the objects in space are represented with rich sounds as well as with incredible visuals. The audience can listen to the stars appear and hear the planets orbit around their heads. Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System is an immersive experience that can be enjoyed irrespective of level of vision. Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System was made through the collaboration of astronomers, a composer, and members of the BVI community in an effort to create a show that - while grounded in real data - is educational, accessible, and enjoyable.

This show was produced by Audio Universe. Audio Universe is a collection of tools and resources to support scientists, educators, students, and the general public to represent scientific data and concepts with sound (as well as with other senses).

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                

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