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.
On Wednesdays at 7pm our public show will be "Secret Lives of Stars." There are many types of stars - some are large, and some are tiny. 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 the X-Men films.
On Saturdays at 10:30am we will have our kids' shows. This will include a night sky tour, along with a full dome show for our younger audiences. We are currently showing "Max Goes to the Moon." Based on the popular children's book, this show is about a fictional dog and his friend Tori who go to our moon to inspire others here on Earth to do the same.
If you do have a large group of ~25 or more, please contact Dr. Herman (rherman@radford.edu) to see about arranging for a special showing for your group. School groups should also contact Dr. Herman to see about arranging a visit during the regular school day.
Dark Side of the Moon - Special Showings!
The "Dark Side of the Moon" will return for a few showings! This amazing show is produced by Michigan State University’s Abrams Planetarium and is their vision of the classic 1973 rock album. This is not a laser show but rather a full-dome visualization of the entire 43 minutes of the Pink Floyd masterpiece. Sit back and enjoy our 5.1 Surround Sound system as it takes you on a journey that can only be described as “trippy!” Special showings will be:
- Friday, February 3, @ 7:30pm
- Saturday, February 4, @ 7:30pm
- Friday, February 10, @ 7:30pm
- Saturday, February 11, @ 7:30pm
All shows are free, and everyone is invited.
- 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.