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“Celebrations for a Long Winter's Night”

Sun 1 Dec - Sun 5 Jan

The long cold winter nights of December are well suited for celebrations. This festive show illuminates the meaning of the winter solstice, and shares some history behind our holiday customs. A popular astrological explanation for the so-called Star of Bethlehem is also explored.  Photo: Kevin Willis (WKYU)

Closed X-mas eve and New Years Day

 

 

  • 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.

 

 

 

icon representing a helping hand AVAILABLE SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Observatory Nights - @ Hardin Planetarium

On select Tuesday nights of each month at 8:00 PM central, guests may join us to explore the night sky in the observatory next door free of charge.  This will follow immediately after the Tuesday night planetarium show, and will depend on weather.  Alternative dates are offered in case of cloud cover.

 

  • Thursday 5 December (if sky is clear enough)

 

 

Telescope Buyer's Guide 2024 - @ Hardin PlanetariumTelescope Buyer's Guide ad, with image of Sarblue and Seestar S30 telescopes

The landscape for consumer telescopes has changed considerably in the last two years. One major company is out of business, and a new type of telescope may have become viable. If you're thinking of asking Santa for a telescope, come get our free advice. Special guest speaker Rico Tyler.  We will address how to avoid regrettable decisions, as well as current recommended advice based on your viewing goals, and updated prices and availability.
  • Sunday 8 December 3:15 PM (after the public show)

 

icon representing a school busWe 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.

 

 

the Hardin Planetarium is shaped with a smooth dome on top, and is mounted on a column which curves outward as it reaches up to the main floor levelWKU'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

International Planetarium SocietyLive Interactive Planetarium SymposiumMuseum Alliance of NASAKY Dept. of Travel & Tourism

 

 

Public Parking:

Overhead parking map around the planetarium


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)

 

Icon representing handicapped ParkingWheelchair 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.

Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.

 Last Modified 12/4/24