Hardin Planetarium

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• www.wku.edu/hardinplanetarium/
• Dr. Richard Gelderman, Director
• Ronn Kistler, Coordinator
• Corner of State Street and 15th Avenue.
• 270-745-4044
• 270-745-2014

 

Hardin Planetarium has offered entertaining and educational presentations delivered live by an astronomer since 1967.  With a 40-foot dome housing a Spitz A3P star projector, various special-effect projectors, and a seating capacity of 110, the planetarium supports astronomy laboratories and demonstrations for departmental astronomy classes, as well as providing educational presentations for off-campus school groups and the general public.

Participants can ask questions about what they're seeing or seek out more information afterward. There is no charge for admission.

Doors will open 15 minutes before show time. No one will be admitted after the presentation begins. All visitors in the planetarium should refrain from any activities that would be disruptive, including making distracting noises or using cell phones. Children twelve years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult.

History

Dedicated on October 13, 1967, the Hardin Planetarium is seventy-two feet in diameter, 44 feet high, encompassing 6,000 square feet on two levels. The projection chamber seats approximately 150 spectators.

The planetarium was named for Hardin Cherry Thompson [1938-1963], son of Western Kentucky University president Kelly Thompson, who died during his senior year at Western Kentucky University.