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Plan Your Visit

Know before you go! Learn more about how to make the most of your visit.

What To Expect During a Show

The Planetarium will normally be kept dimly lit to prepare visitors’ eyes for the dome. Be prepared to be seated in a dark room for the duration of the show. Here is what to expect during your visit:

Visitor Etiquette

To get the most of your Planetarium experience and to ensure the best experience for those around you, we ask that you remain respectful and follow our Planetarium Rules and Etiquette.


Guest Arrival

Doors open approximately 15 minutes before the show. The doors close promptly and no visitors will be permitted to enter after the show begins - no exceptions! Visit our Directions and Parking page so you know where to go.


Introduction

The show will begin with a 15-20 minute introduction simulating what's up in the sky tonight and/or discussion of a topic relevant to the full dome feature film.


Feature Film

Sit back and enjoy one of our 20-40 minute full dome feature films followed by a question and answer time to discuss your burning questions! 


Night Sky Observation

After the show, our telescope assistants invite you to the rooftop telescope for live viewing of the night sky, weather permitting.

Our Visitors Say...

This was my first experience and I thought it was a tremendous program. I would only ask that you keep on doing what you're doing . The presenter was excellent. He was able to establish in this 87-year-old man a desire to know more about astronomy.

They know their subjects well, present them in a manner that is understandable to both the novice and the expert. Their enthusiasm is contagious!!! What great representatives for WVU and the work of the Planetarium!!

We have been coming to the planetarium about once a month for the past year and have enjoyed all of the intro lecture. My children especially loved how naming of constellations came about. They look for them at night and have been able to recognize and name a few.