“Phantom of the Universe”
Thur 15 May - Thur 3 July
Follow protons through CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, and descend a mile beneath the ground searching for dark matter. Evidently it makes up 85% of the total mass of the universe, yet it has so far been detected only by its gravitational effects. Film narrated by Tilda Swinton. This will include a status update as of 2025.
- Free shows Tuesday & Thursday at 7:00 PM, and Sundays at 2:00 PM
- No tickets, no prior reservations
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes in advance.
AVAILABLE SPECIAL EVENTS
Observatory Nights - @ Hardin Planetarium
Only during the school year. This will return in September.
We regularly host school groups and any other group interested in a show. You can
request such an event via the menu at the top of the page.
WKU's Hardin Planetarium has full dome of 40 feet, with a 360° surround view by way
of a Digitalis Epsilon digital projector. All of this is done in a classic 1967 architectural
icon of the WKU campus. We custom design most of our own shows for public education,
and all either are or include live interactive performances.
Affiliations
WKU Hardin Planetarium
1501 State Street
Bowling Green, KY 42101
hardin.planetarium@wku.edu
270-745-4044
Public Parking:
1) Along State Street
2) Two spots in the lot between Ogden College Hall and Kelly Thompson Hall
3) College Hill Lot, up College Heights Blvd. on the right
4) Chestnut Street North Lot, at the corner of Chestnut and 14th Ave, two blocks from the Planetarium
Bus Unloading:
» Download the bus unloading map (PDF)
Wheelchair Accessibility: A ramp from State St. provides access to the building's main floor. The below lots
are only available on weekends or after 4:30 PM.
1) Two spots in a tiny lot behind the building, at the end of a driveway from State St. That lot is lower than the building, so it is an uphill climb.
2) Three spots in the lot between Ogden College Hall and Kelly Thompson Hall.
3) The large parking lots on top of College Heights Blvd. The path from there is down hill.
Mailing List:
Many of our guests prefer to be notified of our events. You can sign up below or at the planetarium.