UW Planetarium

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About Our Planetarium

Built alongside the Physics and Astronomy building in 1994, the UW planetarium is a unique space for students to explore the night sky. The dome is 30 feet in diameter and originally included a Minolta MS-8 starball, a precisely constructed optical/mechanical system that projects an accurate view of the night sky as viewed from anywhere on Earth. In 2005, a $90,000 UW Student Technology grant enabled the addition of advanced audio and video equipment. In 2009, a collaboration with Microsoft’s WorldWide Telescope team transformed the planetarium into a fully digital dome with an 8-million-pixel display for an interactive experience (see Rosenfield et al. 2010 for more information). In 2015 and 2020, additional grants — totaling nearly $120,000 — allowed for upgrades, including new projectors, computers, and software, ensuring the planetarium's relevance and capacity to serve the community.

As of 2022, the UW planetarium is under leadership of Program Director Anastasios (Andy) Tzanidakis, with oversight provided by Oliver Fraser. The planetarium is equipped with state-of-the-art projectors and immersive audio systems, providing guests with an exceptional astronomical experience. What sets the UW planetarium apart is its ability to showcase real data-driven astronomical images and simulations, offering dynamic and interactive shows that cater to individuals of all ages and varying levels of astronomical knowledge.

Location

The University of Washington Planetarium is located on the second floor of the Physics and Astronomy Auditorium (PAA). When you arrive at our building, you will find dedicated directions pointing to our planetarium.

To access the UW planetarium you can either take the spiral staircase located in PAA, or you can take the elevators located on the right side of the stairwell to the second floor.

Building Attractions

The Physics and Astronomy Auditorium where the planetarium is located, contains a 100-foot-long Foucault pendulum. A Foucault pendulum is a device used to measure the rotation of the Earth by observing a swinging pendulum that precesses relative to the Earth slowly over one day. The physics department has more details on the building's architecture

Parking Resources

All personal vehicles must pay to park on campus. To find parking on campus first visit one of the parking Gatehouse locations, let them know your destination, and ask what the nearest available parking to the Physics and Astronomy Building is at that time of day. Note that some parking lots may be full later in the day, so we do not recommend a specific lot here. More information on parking on campus can be found on the Transportation Services website.

Visit Planning

Before scheduling your planetarium show please be mindful of the following:

  • Our planetarium has a 40-person seating capacity
  • Due to limited staff capacity, we offer a limited number of planetarium shows each year. Although we cannot guarantee availability on your requested date, we will do our best to accommodate your group

Accessibility Resources

If your group requires any accommodations for any special learning needs, an ASL translator or non-English language translator, please directly contact the Program Director, Andy Tzanidakis (atzanida@uw.edu).

Code of Conduct

In keeping with the University-wide Codes of Conduct, the UW Planetarium is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all visitors. We firmly emphasize the importance of respecting diversity and embracing people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs. Hate speech or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, ethnicity, or any personal characteristics will not be tolerated. We believe in mutual respect and the value of diverse perspectives. Your cooperation in upholding these values ensures that the UW planetarium remains a place where everyone can explore the mysteries of the universe in an atmosphere of respect and shared humanity.

If you witness or experience behavior contrary to these principles, please inform the Program Director or our volunteering staff.

Donations

Thank you for considering a donation. Your support directly funds technology, equipment, and programs for our UW planetarium. To donate, add the Friends of Planetariums fund on UW Giving.

Donate Here

Volunteering with the UW Planetarium

Volunteering with the UW Planetarium Our planetarium provides volunteer opportunities for both students and members of the Seattle community who wish to contribute to the enhancement of our planetarium shows. We prioritize the safety and quality of the experience for all by ensuring that all volunteers undergo background checks and receive necessary certifications before participating in our programs.

If you would like to volunteer for us, please directly contact the Program Director.

Volunteer Information

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where is the planetarium located? The planetarium is on the second floor of the Physics/Astronomy Auditorium, room A220 at the end of the hall. You can find the building on a campus map.
  • Is the planetarium handicap-accessible? Yes, the planetarium building is accessible. There is an elevator to the right of the pendulum that will take you to the 2nd floor, where the planetarium is located.
  • When do you offer shows for large groups? Show are offered for groups on Fridays during the regular academic quarter between the hours of 10am and 1pm. There is a request form for group visits below. We do not offer regular shows during the summer.
  • When do you offer shows for individuals or small groups (<5 people)? There are typically four public shows on the first Friday of the month at 5:30pm, 6:30pm,  7:30pm, and 8:30pm. Shows are free, but you must reserve tickets in advance for these shows due to the limited capacity of the planetarium. The ticketing link is posted on our Facebook page, usually the Sunday preceding the first Friday of the month.
  • Do you offer shows on weekends? Unfortunately, we do not offer shows on weekends as campus buildings are locked on Saturdays and Sundays, making the planetarium inaccessible to volunteers and visitors.
  • What is the cost for a planetarium show? All shows at the planetarium are free! If you enjoy your group visit, or one of the public shows please consider donating.
  • How long is a planetarium show? Shows are typically 45 minutes in length, but with time for questions at the end they may run closer to an hour.
  • What is the seating capacity in the planetarium? The planetarium can seat 40 people. Group reservations, including chaperones and students, are not to exceed this number as it is our fire code capacity. If you have a larger group, please consider scheduling two separate shows.
  • Where should I park on campus when visiting the planetarium? All personal vehicles must pay to park on campus. See the parking instructions below. If you are bringing a bus, you must fill out a bus parking request form prior to your arrival. 
  • What should I do if my preferred date and time is not on the group visit request form below? Some dates and times during the current quarter may not be on the form because they are already booked. Our shows are very popular, and tend to book up 1-2 months in advance, so please plan accordingly. Shows are also scheduled on a quarterly basis, so in general we will not schedule a group visit more than 3 months ahead of time.
  • Do you offer shows during the summer months? Due to limited volunteer availability outside the academic year we do not offer regular summer shows or group visits. We also generally cannot schedule shows more than 3 months in advance of the requested date.
  • How do I become a volunteer? See the FAQ for volunteers below, or contact the planetarium coordinator to see when the next planetarium training session will be held.
  • Where can I or my group eat lunch on campus before or after a show? There is food-court style dining at the Husky Union Building (HUB), though during peak lunch hours it may be difficult to find seating for a large group. See the Housing and Food Services webpage for more dining options on campus.
  • What other activities do you offer for groups before or after the planetarium show? Because we are completely volunteer run, we do not have the capacity to offer or help plan any activities on campus for groups outside of the planetarium show. Please plan your campus visit accordingly.

Group Visits

Planetarium shows are given on a purely volunteer basis. We gladly serve UW groups, K-12 groups that are studying astronomy, and public groups (such as astronomy clubs or scouts). The planetarium is open to these groups on Fridays during the academic year with presentations starting between the hours of 10am and 1pm, on a first-requested, first-served basis. All dates and times available for the current quarter are listed in the drop down menu below. If your preferred date and time do not appear on the drop-down menu below, it is because that time slot is already booked, or unavailable. Please be aware that our shows are very popular and book up quickly. Please plan to book about 1-2 months ahead of your intended visit. Unfortunately, we do not offer any activities outside of the planetarium show itself. Shows have no fee but donations towards the upkeep of our planetarium are gladly accepted.

Shows are generally about 45 minutes in length, and the planetarium can seat 40 people. If your group is larger than 40 people please make separate requests for shows. The planetarium is handicap-accessible, although it’s difficult for visually impaired students to receive the maximum impact since the simulation is extremely visual in nature.

Schedule a Show

**Before requesting to book a show, please read through the information under Group Visit, and all FAQ.**

Schedule a Show

Directions & Parking

We’re located at the corner of 15th Ave NE and NE Pacific Hwy, in the University District. The planetarium is on the second floor of the Physics/Astronomy Auditorium in room A220 at the far end of the hall.

If you are driving from:

  • Eastside: Take 520 W to Montlake Exit. Left at 2nd light (on to Pacific Hwy). Make a right at 15th. PAB is on the corner. If you are bringing a bus, you can let the students off at the stop on 15th.
  • North or South: I-5 to NE 45th Street exit (University of Washington). Take 45th St. east to 15th. Make a right on 15th. Follow this to the intersection with Pacific. If you are bringing a bus, you can let the students off at the stop on 15th (right before Pacific).

Parking

If you are bringing a bus, you must fill out a bus parking request form prior to your arrival. After you have submitted this form you will be contacted with further instructions about your bus pick-up and drop-off location and where the bus should park while you are on campus. For more information, feel free to consult the UW Transportation Services site, or call them at (206)-616-8710.

All other vehicles must pay to park on campus. The closest Gatehouse to our building is the West Gatehouse;  parking is $3 per hour before 4 p.m., with a maximum daily rate of $18.75. After 4 p.m. and on Saturdays, parking costs a flat rate of $6.50* (*CPG parking is $13 after 4 p.m. and Saturdays).The closest drop-off locations near the planetarium are the 30 minute load/unload zones located on W Stevens Way NE. For information on disability parking see the disability parking webpage.

Planetarium directions

Map to planetarium

In the image on the right, the main garage entrances are circled in red. From the garage, walk along Grant Lane towards Stevens Way. Turn right onto Stevens Way, and walk south to the entrance of the Physics and Astronomy court yard, where you will see a large “Peanut” sculpture. Enter the Auditorium which is the building on your left. In the building, go up the stairs by the pendulum to the second floor. On the second floor the planetarium is in room A220 near the end of the hall.

UW Planetarium in the News

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