Go stargazing with Planetarium at The Arne Slettebak Planetarium at Ohio State

If you’re fascinated with the night sky, stars, and the rest of space out there, check out some fun programs at the Planetarium at Ohio State University. 

The Arne Slettebak Planetarium

Operating since 1968 by the Department of Astronomy, the 63-seat 30-foot dome theater with brand new Sky Skan Digital Sky Dark Matter Rendering Engine and Scidome XD projectors give exquisite views of the night sky.

The upgrade enhances the ability of OSU astronomers to add their own datasets from research they are doing. Go on digital journeys to the planets, stars, and distant galaxies.

photo via NASA

The Planetarium at Ohio State offers Live Shows, Fulldome Feature Presentations, and occasion special events throughout the academic year. Students and faculty in OSU Department of Astronomy present the shows.

All live shows are appropriate for children over ages 3-4, if they are able to sit quietly in the dark for 40+ minutes. Look for select Saturday shows geared towards younger children when available. It’s a great way to introduce kids to Astronomy, or further encourage their interest.

Programs include (find descriptions here):

• The Sky Tonight Live Show
• Voyage Through the Solar System Live Show
• Icy Birth, Fiery Death: The Life Cycle of Stars Live Show
• Back to the Moon, FOR GOOD: Fulldome Feature Presentation
• Chasing the Ghost Particle: Fulldome Feature Presentation
• Two Small Pieces of Glass: Fulldome Feature Presentation
• Oasis in Space: Fulldome Feature Presentation

photo via The Ohio State University

Advanced registration is recommended, as many programs sell out. 

Upcoming shows at the Planetarium at Ohio State

Program details will be released about two weeks before each show.

Sept 27, 2024 from 6 – 8 pm
Public Planetarium Programs
Smith Lab 5033 – Arne Slettebak Planetarium

November 22, 2024 from 6 – 8 pm
Public Planetarium Programs – Nov 22, 2024
Smith Lab 5033 – Arne Slettebak Planetarium

December 13, 2024 from 6 – 8 pm
Public Planetarium Programs – Dec. 13, 2024
Smith Lab 5033 – Arne Slettebak Planetarium

Click here to see whether any future programs have been scheduled.

The Arne Slettebak Planetarium is located on the 5th floor of Smith Laboratory on the OSU main campus in Columbus, Ohio.

172 W 19th Ave
Smith Laboratory
Columbus Ohio, 43210
Phone: 614 292-1773
planetarium@osu.edu

Check out other planetariums and astronomy parks in Ohio!

Planetariums and Astronomy: Celestial events and best places to see the stars

Want more free astronomy programs like The Arne Slettebak Planetarium? Learn online with Zoom events and online programming on your own!

To Space & Back Virtual Show

Check out the To Space & Back virtual show – anytime! “To Space & Back takes audiences on an incredible journey from the far reaches of our known universe to our own planet.

It is an extraordinary story of human ingenuity and incredible engineering, describing how the technology that transports us through space is paving the way for the devices and apps we use every day. What’s happening above is coming back down to Earth!”

Free course: FROM PLANETS TO COSMOS

Enroll in the course From Planets to Cosmos – FOR FREE! Kick-off your exploration of the Universe with our FREE online course on OSU’s Scarlet Canvas. Take our self-paced offering to understand the revolutionary ideas brought about by Copernicus through modern discoveries of today.

Enrollment is super fast, so you can get started within minutes of registration. The self-paced class started February 10, but you can join anytime during the course. This course requires approximately 32 hours to complete. Instructor will not be grading the assessments or engaging in any discussion forums, and there is no certificate of completion awarded.

Astronomy Zoom Webinars

See events website to see free upcoming Zoom webinars.

Space Radio

Every week astrophysicist Paul Sutter takes your questions about all things science with Space Radio on WCBE 90.5FM. 

In addition, episodes are live streaming on Facebook and YouTube, and available as podcast downloads. Visit the show website for more info!