On the north edge of campus lies a portal to the universe. For a quarter century, this portal has transported science students, schoolchildren and the public to the planets, the stars and distant galaxies.
The Downing Planetarium, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, has inspired a generation with a love of science and continues its ongoing mission to excite wonder and curiosity.
The Downing Planetarium is also a portal to the community, attracting up to 20,000 visitors a year. The planetarium and its adjoining science museum, gift shop and small observatory combine showmanship with serious science education. As one of only four planetariums in the Central Valley, the Downing Planetarium draws visitors from as far away as San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield.
“The planetarium is a remarkable resource for the university, but also for the city of Fresno, for all the people that live here and see our shows. Most of what we do are field trips for schools, and students come here from all over the Valley. It’s been remarkably rewarding. I’ve talked to thousands and thousands of kids. Everybody is interested in the sky and space, and they want to know what’s out there." - Dr. Steven White, professor of physics and founding director of the planetarium.
In addition to shows for young students, the planetarium is used by Fresno State astronomy courses. With its 4K star projector set in a 73-seat auditorium with a 30-foot dome, the planetarium gives students clear, unobstructed views of stars and constellations that can’t be seen in light-polluted cities. The planetarium also draws the public with shows that combine astronomy with pop culture, such as its recent sell-out presentation set to Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon.”
This fall the planetarium experienced an unexpected surge in popularity when a TikTok video about the planetarium went viral in August, attracting over 34,000 likes and drawing a stream of new and returning visitors.
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