About the Planetarium

Discover the Wonders of the Universe

The Georgia Southern University Planetarium is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to astronomy education and public engagement. Serving university students, K-12 school groups, scouts, and the general public, the planetarium offers immersive full-dome presentations and interactive experiences that bring space science to life.

Shows are available by reservation only on select weekdays for schools and educational groups. Monthly public evenings & events provide an opportunity for families and space enthusiasts to explore exciting astronomy topics.

Advanced Digistar Planetarium System

The Planetarium features the cutting-edge Digistar 7 Full-Dome Digital Projection System, installed in Fall 2024, offering breathtaking 3D simulations and stunning full-dome visuals. This powerful system allows visitors to journey through space—from our own night sky to the edges of the known universe.

• The Digistar 5 system was installed in 2013, enhancing real-time 3D graphics and allowing customized astronomy presentations.
• Georgia Southern faculty have produced original Digistar 5 content for courses and research.
• Full-dome movies cover a wide range of space science topics, engaging audiences of all ages.

Comfortable Seating & Accessibility

Visitors can enjoy a comfortable viewing experience with individual planetarium seating, featuring armrests and adjustable recline angles. The facility accommodates up to 63 guests, including 2 ADA wheelchair spaces.

Fire Safety Notice: For indoor events, strollers are not permitted inside the planetarium.

ViewSpace: NASA’s Window to the Universe

In the planetarium lobby, guests can explore ViewSpace, a multimedia presentation from the Space Telescope Science Institute. This continuously updated exhibit features breathtaking images from the Hubble Space Telescope and live updates on NASA’s latest space missions.

Educational Outreach & STEM Engagement

Each year, the GSU Planetarium welcomes between 8,000 – 10,000 visitors, making it a key contributor to science education in Georgia. The planetarium supports K-12 educators by offering astronomy programs aligned with science curriculum standards.

By the Numbers (2019 Data):

• 135 K-12 school groups (7,000 students) participated in educational programs.
• 1,000 university students received instruction in the planetarium.
• 1,000+ members of the public attended special events.
• All Astronomy Labs and the Planetarium Internship Program are hosted in the facility.

Supporting Georgia Southern’s Strategic Vision

The GSU Planetarium plays a vital role in the university’s Community Engagement & Teaching & Research Pillars:

• STEM Education & Public Outreach: Strengthening connections between the university and local communities.
• Innovative Research & Visualization: Enhancing astronomy education through cutting-edge digital simulations.
• Hosting Special Events: The planetarium has been used for music and art conferences, showcasing interdisciplinary applications of its immersive technology.

Visitor Feedback & Planetarium Assessment

The Planetarium Assessment Survey provides insights into visitor experiences. Based on a Qualtrics online survey, the results show overwhelming satisfaction:

• 99% of visitors recommend the Planetarium to others!

Detailed survey results, including visitor comments, are available upon request.