Image of Copernican Observatory and Planetarium header
 

All of our events are free, open to the public, and include free, convenient parking in the Copernicus Parking garage. For a campus map and directions to campus, click here. Please note that the Planetarium does not have a street address to plug into your GPS, but the parking garage is located on Paul Manafort Drive.

 
Saturn, seen through our 16" scope
 

We book planetarium shows, observing sessions, lectures, and hands-on activities for organizations and school groups at your request absolutely free! However, we do not book birthday parties or other non-astronomical events. Please allow at least 2 weeks lead time for scheduling. All scheduling blocks are on a first-come basis.

 

 

    follow CCSU_Astronomy on Twitter

     

     

    Thinking about "buying" a star for someone? Read this important webpage from the International Astronomical Union first!


    Debuting in time for the premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - Astronomy and
    The Hobbit webpage.

    Sun Central Interested in learning more about the sunspot cycle? Click here
    Curious to see what the sun looks like today? Click here
    Concerned about solar flares and 2012? Click here
    Want to learn more about sunspot observing? Click here      

     

    Feeling a little lost in space? Check our these beginner-friendly links recommended by CCSU students

     

    Don't miss the Jupiter/Venus/Mercury light show!

    Start looking after sunset (after 8:15) low in the northwest (the same direction the sun itself sets in) for the brilliant planets Jupiter and Venus. The dimmer “star” near them is the elusive planet Mercury. It is estimated that only 1% of the world’s population has ever seen Mercury because it can only be seen low in the sky around sunset or sunrise. Venus and Jupiter make obvious signposts to help you find it!

    http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/The-May-June-2013-Planet-Dance-192020551.html

    You can use binoculars, but this will be visible to the unaided eye. Please do NOT use binoculars until the sun has safely set! Optimum viewing will probably be around 9 PM. You will need a low uncluttered horizon to see it. Again, the planets will be visible in the same general part of the sky where the sun sets, so you can use this as your point of reference.

    Because we do not have a large area to view the northwest sky, and because you do NOT need a telescope to see this event, we will not be having viewing on campus.

     

    Planetarium Shows and Events:

    On Saturday June 1 and 15 at 8 PM, we will have our regularly scheduled free show in our planetarium. The topic this month is "Thunderstorms and Tornadoes."



    For planetarium shows, seating is first come, first served. The planetarium is located in Copernicus Hall (Building 23 on the campus map). Convenient parking is in the Copernicus (South) garage (building 17).

    Observatory Events:

    On Saturday June 1 and 15, join us for a free observing session directly afterward the planetarium show (observing is weather permitting: we need a clear sky).

    Stay tuned for special observing sessions of Saturn and its rings!

    The observatory is located on the roof of Copernicus Hall. Take the elevators to the 5th or 6th floor and follow the signs.

    One astronomer's opinion on the Pluto reclassification

     

     

    Ask astronomy questions

    Ask general planetarium questions

    Book a group planetarium show

    Support our outreach efforts

    The Current Night Sky

    Dr. Larsen's webpage

    Using Fantasy and Fiction in Astronomy Education and Outreach

    Create a Harry Potter Starfinder

    AstroLinks

    Directions to CCSU

    NASA

    Astronomy Picture of the Day


    Copyright © 2004 [Central Connecticut State University]. All rights reserved.
    Questions/Comments: Kris Larsen at Larsen@ccsu.edu

    Last Modified: Monday, 25. March 2013