Introduction

Planetarium EntrancePeterson Planetarium has provided quality programming since 1959 for Emporia State University and the greater Emporia/Lyon County community. The Peterson Planetarium is located in Cram Science Hall on the Emporia State University campus. The Peterson Planetarium is administered through the Departments of Physical Sciences with funds provided by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Programming at the Peterson Planetarium serves a variety of community and University audiences. About 50 percent of the programs are presented for the interest and enjoyment of community groups. School-age children from the Emporia area and surrounding counties represent the largest group of off-campus patrons of planetarium programming. About 50 percent of planetarium programs are for direct support of instruction in several courses in the physical sciences.

Renovation of the Planetarium

Spitz 512 ProjectorOn December 3, 1994 the planetarium and instruments, including the original Spitz Model A-2 star projector, were severely damaged when a main water line on campus ruptured. The water traveled through utility tunnels and flooded the planetarium chamber, which was at the lowes level. A State of Kansas General Building Fund allocation of $500,000 provided funds for the planetarium's restoration, and the Peterson Planetarium was completely renovated during 1996. A reopening dedication occurred in January, 1997.

The restored planetarium is designed for a variety of programming. The main instrument is a Spitz System 512 Control Panelplanetarium projection system, housed under a 24-foot projection dome. The main projector is supported by a video projection system and a stereophonic sound system. The automation system was upgraded in 2007 to an ATM-4 system developed and installed by Spitz, Incorporated.

Our Place in Space*
Audiences are introduced to animal characters that complete a crossword puzzle with some basic astronomy clues. For example, clues include “The opposite of night” and “A milky way that’s not a candy bar.” Other topics include the daily rotation of Earth, thinking about constellations like dot-to-dot games, and an imaginary trip into space. Our Place in Space was produced by the Sudekum Planetarium.
More Information (Link: http://www.sudekumplanetarium.com/learn/opis/)
Length: Approximately 30 minutes
Recommended ages: Kindergarten to 3rd grade

The Current Night Sky
A “live” presentation tour of the prominent stars, constellations, and planets visible in the current night sky. This presentation can be adapted for any time of year and can display the prominent stars and constellations of all seasons if requested.
Length: 15 to 40 minutes, depending on requests
Recommended for ages: 3rd grade and up

Hubble Vision*
A view of the cosmos with recent images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. Featuring the planets of our solar system, stellar life cycles, nebulae, galaxies, and deep-field images of some of the most distant objects ever observed. Hubble Vision was created by Loch Ness Productions.
More Information (Link: http://www.lochnessproductions.com/shows/hv2/hv2.html)
Length: Approximately 30 minutes
Recommended ages: 3rd grade and up

More than Meets the Eye*
A program about the seen and unseen joys of the night sky. This program shows the differences between using the naked eye, binoculars, and small telescopes to view celestial objects. The moon, four principal naked-eye planets, a few prominent stars and constellations, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies are covered. More than Meets the Eye was created by Loch Ness Productions in cooperation with Spitz Inc.
More Information (Link: http://www.lochnessproductions.com/shows/mme/mme.html)
Length: Approximately 30 minutes
Recommended ages: 3rd grade and up

Through the Eyes of Hubble*
The early days of the Hubble Space Telescope are featured, including the first service mission performed by astronauts to repair initial complications. Included is a brief history of Edwin Hubble after whom the telescope is named. Topics also covered include the planets of the solar system, measuring stellar and galactic distances, stellar and galactic life cycles, and dark matter. Through the Eyes of Hubble is a co-production of The Henry Buhl Jr. Planetarium Carnegie Science Center and the Space Telescope Science Institute.
Length: Approximately 45 minutes
Recommended ages: 9th grade and up

 

*Show materials have been adapted to the presentation capabilities of Peterson Planetarium with permission of the producers.

A request can be placed to the Departments of Physical Sciences to schedule a viewing of any of the available shows.

Scheduling Request Form

Cost: $15/show
Capacity: Minimum of 8 and Maximum of 39 participants (Limited additional seating is available, but not recommended)
Parking Info: ESU Parking information is available at http://www.emporia.edu/police/parking.htm and a map showing parking areas at http://www.emporia.edu/police/parkingmap.htm.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting:

Chase McIver
Planetarium Director
Departments of Physical Sciences
Emporia State University
E-mail: cmciver@g.emporia.edu

 

Enhancing Future Planetarium Programming

 

Peterson Planetarium Thirty-Seventh Annual Report

Peterson Planetarium Thirty-Sixth Annual Report

Peterson Planetarium Thirty-Fifth Annual Report