PennWest Clarion's Peirce Planetarium offers you a glimpse of the stars and planets of the night sky. It does so with its 40-foot dome, one of the largest in the state.

At the heart of the planetarium is a precision-engineered star ball that combines optical and electro-mechanical technology to provide an accurate view of the night sky and its apparent motion.

The planetarium is useful in providing education to faculty, students and the public as star gazers have an opportunity to see their favorite constellations at any hour of the day. The planetarium can be used to show the night sky as it would appear at any point in time, past or present, as it would appear from any point on Earth.

The planetarium is handicapped-accessible. Parking is available in Lot 12, behind Marwick-Boyd, and Lot 11, across from Tippin Gymnasium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 814-393-2085.

 In addition, we anticipate bringing back our laser shows later this fall. Stay tuned here or on our Facebook page for updates at: facebook.com/PennWest-Peirce-Planetarium. You may also call our planetarium hotline at 814 393 2085 for updates.

Stars Over Clarion

Join us for our very popular monthly shows in the Peirce Planetarium! During the shows, we will weave storytelling and science together to highlight the month’s brightest stars and planets. Shows will take place at both 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the first Thursdays of the months that we are in session. In addition, two more shows will take place the following night (Friday) at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The shows last roughly 50 minutes and are free and open to the general public. All are welcome. No tickets are required. However, since seating is limited, you may want to arrive 15 minutes early.

Season of Light

Peirce Planetarium will present its annual holiday event, Season of Light, on Friday December 13 at both 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. This presentation explores the history and astronomy of the holiday season.  This 40-minute show traces the history and development of many of the world’s most enduring holiday customs, from sparkling Christmas tree lights and burning the Yule log, to kissing under the mistletoe.   For parents of young children, nothing is given away regarding the man in the white beard and red suit.  Season of Light is a holiday favorite and free and open to the general public.

 

Upcoming Shows

Event	Date	Time
Stars Over Clarion	Thursday, December 5	7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Stars Over Clarion	Friday, December 6	7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Season of Light	Friday, December 13	7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Stars Over Clarion	Thursday, February 6	7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Stars Over Clarion	Friday, February 7	7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Stars Over Clarion	Thursday, March 13	7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Stars Over Clarion	Friday, March 14	7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Stars Over Clarion	Thursday, April 3	7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Stars Over Clarion	Friday, April 4	7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Stars Over Clarion	Thursday, May 1	7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Stars Over Clarion	Friday, May 2	7:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. (Seating is limited)

 

There are several shows that have become staples at the planetarium. They include:

The planetarium is named for Dr. Donald D. Peirce, teacher and chairman of the science department from 1932-68.

To schedule a show, please contact:

Angela Minich
Clerical Assistant
aminich@pennwest.edu
814-393-2288

Dr. Sharon Montgomery
Professor
smontgomery@pennwest.edu
814-393-1899

PennWest Clarion's Planetarium is handicapped-accessible and is located on Greenville Avenue in the Grunenwald Science & Technology Center. To reach the planetarium, which is located on the second floor, enter through the front doors facing Greenville Avenue and either take the stairs to the second floor or use the elevators located at the north (left) end of the building. The planetarium is at the top of the stairs to your right. Get ready to sit back and enjoy the night sky indoors!