RU Planetarium Continues to Grow, Offers Exciting Programs

Since its first public show in 1999, the Radford University Planetarium has become a popular site to view astronomical shows ranging from ancient legends of the stars to current knowledge of the universe to the future exploration of space.

In its six years of existence, the planetarium has welcomed more than 11,000 astronomy enthusiasts to those shows. More than 1,500 attended programs in 2005. The planetarium, which features a 24-foot diameter dome, a Spitz/Goto SG-8 star projector and theatre-style seats, is an educational resource for the university and anyone who is interested in learning about the far reaches of space, RU physics professor and planetarium director Rhett Herman said. 

The RU Physics and Chemistry Department, along with students, operate the planetarium and open the shows to the public and groups and charge no admission. Shows play each Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. To see a full list of shows, visit the RU Planetarium Web site.

Many of the current planetarium shows are possible because of the acquisition of the new digital equipment, which Herman says was a campus-wide effort. "People all over campus have contributed," Herman said. "The whole campus has been a tremendous help with the project."

Much of the planetarium's success is due to the generous support from the Radford University Foundation.  "The Foundation got us our first show," Herman said. "Without them helping us get that first show, the Planetarium would be nothing like it is today."

You can help The Foundation continue its support of the RU Planetarium by making a gift directly to the planetarium. A contribution can be made by following this link. In the space were you are asked, "Please allocate my gift to:" please select "Other" from the pulldown menu and type "RU Planetarium" into the adjacent space. All funds donated will go for direct support of planetarium show offerings.

For more information about making a gift to the RU Planetarium, please contact The Foundation at 540-831-5108.

For RU Planetarium information, please contact Herman by phone at 540-831-5441 or by e-mail at rherman@radford.edu.