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Robert K. Wickware Planetarium

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Built in 1972, the Robert K. Wickware Planetarium continues to be used for teaching Eastern’s astronomy courses and for presenting shows to the public and to visiting groups.  It is named for Dr. Robert K. Wickware (1913 – 1997), who was an Eastern faculty member for 33 years (including several years as our first Dean of Science) and an internationally active pioneer in science education.

Operated by the Physical Sciences Department, the Wickware Planetarium is Connecticut’s largest and most active such facility east of Hartford. It can seat 60 visitors, and is wheelchair accessible. Onto the interior of the planetarium’s 30-foot dome, a Spitz A5 star projector beams images of 2,300 stars along with the Sun, the Moon, and the planets that are visible to the human eye.

The planetarium is the classroom for all students taking astronomy courses at Eastern. Students taking the Astronomy Outreach and Public Presentation minor learn to operate the star projector and to produce and present planetarium shows.

  • Public Shows: Depending on availability of faculty, special star shows may be presented for public audiences (see schedule below) up to three times per semester. There is no charge for the shows, but reservations are required so that we don’t exceed seating capacity.
  • Show Schedule:
    • October 8 at 6:00 pm: Night Sky Update: Constellations, stars, and planets of the Fall skies.
    • November 12 at 6:00 pm: The Nova, and other phenomena when stars stop being stars.
  • Visiting Groups: Bring your class or scout troop (or home-schoolers, or astronomy club, or…) on a tour of the Universe! See the wonders of our solar system, learn about the night sky; shows can be custom-tailored to your requirements. All shows are free of charge. 

Limited days and times are available, so please contact us early in the semester! We require a minimum of 15 visitors for a group booking, and are open during spring and fall semesters (holidays excepted); we close for the summer and winter recesses.

For bookings: Contact the Director, Dr. Z. Pazameta, at pazameta@easternct.edu

Useful Information

  • The Wickware Planetarium is located across from the front of the Eugene Smith Library and is building #26 on the Campus Map.

  • The Shakespeare and Cervantes Parking Garages, locations P & Q on the Parking Map, provide the best parking options.  Spaces are free, but temporary parking permits may be required.  Request additional information when scheduling an event or requesting a reservation.