The physics building, Smith Hall, opened in 1968 with a new planetarium contained within. The planetarium projector cost $25,000 and the total cost of the system was estimated to be $35,000. Public shows began in the Planetarium in late 1968 or early 1969, with Physics Professor Dr. Kenneth Warren estimating that it took him 1000 hours of preparation for a show.
We want to keep the planetarium as a resource to the community available to all that wish to enjoy it without having to charge for admission. Our students and faculty donate generous amounts of time to provide shows for everyone, However, there are financial needs to maintain and improve the planetarium.
Immediate Needs:
Kent State has an observatory on the edge of campus with a 12-inch robotic Meade telescope. A group of students has taken on the task of bringing the observatory back online. We have completed the inglorious task of cleaning out the observatory building and evicting the current residents (mice) as well as clearing out overgrowth by the observatory. We also repaired the dome so it opens and rotates properly. We are now ready for the work of learning how to use the actual telescope and understanding how to work all the equipment we have. Our goal is to learn how
We have hosted planetarium shows for campus groups as well as for groups in the community such as Boy and Girl Scouts without cost. We have also hosted private shows such as a Birthday Party and a Wedding. For private shows, we do not have a fixed fee schedule and have appreciated appropriate donations to help us maintain and upgrade the planetarium. If you are interested in a show for your group, please fill out and we will be in contact with you.
We offer local schools the opportunity for field trips on Fridays during the semester. We can fashion a presentation based on your curricular needs. The best maximum group for a planetarium show is 80, but we can accommodate larger groups or split into two groups with alternative presentations such as physics demonstrations for the second group. There are no charges for field trips, though donations are appreciated so we can maintain the planetarium. If you are interested in a field trip, please fill out
We offer shows to the public free of cost.
Upcoming Shows:
Wednesday, February 26th at 7 PM: Space Trivia Night and Planetarium Show
Information:
Please RSVP for the show by calling 330-672-2246 or sending an email to rpolak@kent.edu. Please arrive 10 minutes early so that everyone can be comfortably seated when the show starts. If you drive, please park in the R-5 Lot.
