Planetarium
Experience Space Like Never Before
The William R. Luebke Planetarium is an instrumental learning environment within the Science Community Center. Students studying astronomy utilize the planetarium as a learning laboratory traveling from planet to planet within our solar system and beyond. Such a tool allows one to experience the universe in a way far superior to what images in a textbook can convey. Other classes, such as Earth Science, Geology, Physics, Life Sciences, and the Humanities also visit the planetarium to bring a context to their learning that goes far beyond the classroom.
The planetarium itself consists of a Zeiss Skymaster ZKP-4 LED/fiber-optic star projector coupled with the Zeiss Velvet Projection System. Together, these top-of-the-line projection instruments display unparalleled images of the night sky and full-dome planetarium films onto a 40-foot suspended dome ceiling for an audience of up to 100 people.
The Planetarium is available for reservation by groups. Please visit the GVM Tours page for more information and requirements.
Planetarium Artwork
MJC Art Professor, Dr. Richard Serros, drew the twelve constellation star charts that
are around the outside of the planetarium building. His hand-drawn images were digitized
then engraved on metal panels. The primary stars in each constellation were drilled
through the panels and LEDs were mounted in the holes. During daylight hours, visitors
can view Dr. Serros’ conception of the constellations and at night they can see the
actual star patterns.
Tickets
Planetarium Admission |
|
General Admission | $8 |
Children, Seniors (55+), Military | $5 |
GVM and NARM Members | $3 |
YCCD Staff, Students | $3 |
Not recommended for children under 5 years of age |
Tickets are available for purchase in the GVM Nature Shop or through the link below. Shows are held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month at 11am & 12pm. Please plan accordingly as the doors to the planetarium do not open once the program has begun. No food or drink is allowed inside the planetarium.
To purchase tickets click HERE.
Our Shows
Elementary (ages 6-11)
Audio Tour of the Solar System
Earth Moon and Sun
Perfect Little Planet
Two Small Pieces of Glass
Jr. High (ages 11-14)
Habitat Earth
Earthquake
Rising Star: A South African Astronomical Journey
High School (ages 14+)
The Dark Matter Mystery
Phantom of the Universe
Seeing! A Photon's Journey Across Space, Time and Mind
Ultimate Universe
From Earth to the Universe
Select content Provided by British Fulldome Institute