- "Constellations and Their Lore" – A look at constellations and the stories behind their names
- "More Than Meets the Eye" – Compares the naked-eye views with observatory astrophotos and spacecraft images
- "Season of Light" – A holiday show that explores the origin of winter traditions from different cultures
- "Larry Cat in Space" – Larry entertains younger audiences as he travels to the moon and explores the Imbrium Village.
- "Dawn of Astronomy" – Older students and adults trace the roots of modern astronomy in ancient Egypt and Britain.
Peirce Planetarium
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.
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.
Laser Shows!
Experience your favorite music in a whole new light! Our planetarium laser shows star iconic soundtracks brought to life with electrifying laser visuals. Each show features a different genre: Whether you’re into pop, rock, metal, or just looking for something fun to do with your kids, we’ve got the perfect show to rock your universe! Check below for upcoming show dates, and get ready to groove! Shows are about 45 minutes long and are $12/per person. (Children ages 2 and under free; students with valid PennWest student ID are free).
Starting in April, laser shows will take place during the second weekend of each month on the following dates: April 11-12, May 9-10, June 13-14, July 11-12, August 15-16, September 12-13, October 10-11. Stay tuned for the exact show times. Call our planetarium at 814-393-2085 for more information.
Upcoming Shows
Stars Over Clarion
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 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)
Laser Shows
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lasermania (pop show) | Friday, April 11 | 7:00 p.m. |
| Pink Floyd (rock show) | Friday, April 11 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Laser Safari (a fun but educational children's show) | Saturday, April 12 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Lasermania (pop show) | Saturday, April 12 | 5:00 p.m. |
| Pink Floyd (rock show) | Saturday, April 12 | 7:00 p.m. |
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!