Buckle up and let’s take a trip to outer space. The Westminster College Planetarium is a 45 seat full-dome theater housed in the Hoyt Science Resources Center. Professors and other astronomical professionals take students and members of the community on a tour throughout the depths of outer space through multimedia astronomy shows free of charge.
The Westminster College Planetarium is open for in-person shows! If you have any questions or concerns, please email planetarium@westminster.edu.
Westminster College Department of Physics
120 Hoyt Science Resources Center
319 South Market Street
New Wilmington, PA 16172
6:00 PM
A great introduction to the world of Egypt’s legendary queen, Cleopatra’s Universe will explore the truths and mysteries of her fascinating time over 2,000 years ago. Travel back in time to see stunning re-creations of the Alexandria Library, Cleopatra’s Palace, the Parthenon in Athens, the Pompey Theater in Rome and the Pharos Lighthouse—one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Discover the powerful Greek and Roman influences on the world of Cleopatra. Cleopatra’s Universe is an original production by the Daniel M. Soref Planetarium at the Milwaukee Public Museum in the United States.
This show is recommended for grades 3+ (ages 8+).
6:00 PM
A great introduction to the world of Egypt’s legendary queen, Cleopatra’s Universe will explore the truths and mysteries of her fascinating time over 2,000 years ago. Travel back in time to see stunning re-creations of the Alexandria Library, Cleopatra’s Palace, the Parthenon in Athens, the Pompey Theater in Rome and the Pharos Lighthouse—one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Discover the powerful Greek and Roman influences on the world of Cleopatra. Cleopatra’s Universe is an original production by the Daniel M. Soref Planetarium at the Milwaukee Public Museum in the United States.
This show is recommended for grades 3+ (ages 8+).
6:00 PM
The Hot and Energetic Universe describes the achievements of modern astronomy; the variety of modern terrestrial and orbital observatories; the basic principles of electromagnetic radiation and the natural phenomena investigated by high-energy astrophysics. High-energy astrophysics plays a key role in understanding the Universe and it's hot and violent nature. The hot gas within clusters of galaxies (the most massive objects in the Universe) is studied with advanced observatories, together with the hot gas accreting around supermassive black holes in the centers of galaxies. High energy radiation also provides important information about our own galaxy, neutron stars, supernova remnants and stars like our Sun.
This show is recommended for grades 5+ (ages 10+).
6:00 PM
The Hot and Energetic Universe describes the achievements of modern astronomy; the variety of modern terrestrial and orbital observatories; the basic principles of electromagnetic radiation and the natural phenomena investigated by high-energy astrophysics. High-energy astrophysics plays a key role in understanding the Universe and it's hot and violent nature. The hot gas within clusters of galaxies (the most massive objects in the Universe) is studied with advanced observatories, together with the hot gas accreting around supermassive black holes in the centers of galaxies. High energy radiation also provides important information about our own galaxy, neutron stars, supernova remnants and stars like our Sun.
This show is recommended for grades 5+ (ages 10+).
6:00 PM
"What do you associate with Halloween? Trick-or-Treating, costumes… astronomy? After all, Halloween is an astronomical holiday! Learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day.” Also explore the night sky and learn what planets, constellations, and stars will be out on your Halloween evening."
This show is recommended for grades 3+ (ages 7 and up).
6:00 PM
"What do you associate with Halloween? Trick-or-Treating, costumes… astronomy? After all, Halloween is an astronomical holiday! Learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day.” Also explore the night sky and learn what planets, constellations, and stars will be out on your Halloween evening."
This show is recommended for grades 3+ (ages 7 and up).
6:00 PM
Over the years many people have tried to explain the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the Bible. Can the star be explained as an exploding star, a comet, or some other natural event in the sky? Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions will be discussed.
This show is recommended for grades 1+ (ages 6 and up).
6:00 PM
Over the years many people have tried to explain the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the Bible. Can the star be explained as an exploding star, a comet, or some other natural event in the sky? Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions will be discussed.
This show is recommended for grades 1+ (ages 6 and up).
For reservations or questions about the Planetarium, contact Katie Miller.
