Public planetarium programs
Reservations 757-547-0153
In 2023, the Chesapeake Planetarium will celebrate its 61st year of operation. Construction funds for the planetarium were provided by the Chesapeake School Board as a result of the National Defense Education Act (NDEA). It was the first planetarium constructed in Virginia by a public school system. It was designed as a teaching aid for the school system, but has been made available to the general public as well. More than 50,000 students and adults visit the planetarium each year to view educational programs.
The Chesapeake Planetarium is located in the Chesapeake Municipal Center. It is easily reached by taking Interstate 64 and exiting at the Battlefield Boulevard South Exit (Rt. 168). Follow Route 168 to Great Bridge and turn right onto Cedar Road (Rt. 165).The Municipal Center is one-fourth mile on the right.
Public Programs 2023: Programs are free but reservations are necessary – call 757-547-0153
On Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m., the general public is invited to attend free programs. These programs are provided as a free service of the Chesapeake Public School System. Topics for these programs change every month and are educational in nature. They are designed to give the individual a general overview of astronomy.
* It is recommended that children below the first grade level not be admitted to the planetarium chamber. All quiet children are welcome. Children that are not quiet will asked to be removed from the planetarium.
Reservations:
Due to limited seating, reservations are necessary and may be made by telephoning Chesapeake Public Schools between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays. (757-547-0153)
Note: Your reservations will cancel if arriving later than 7:50 p.m.
Note: Programs start promptly at 8:00 p.m. and late arrivals are not allowed to enter the dark theater.
Please make reservations for all program by calling 547-0153. The reservation desk will know of any additional closings if necessary.
Planetarium Public Programs 2023
January—Stargazing
Learn to use star charts and telescopes to explore outer space in your backyard.
February—Seven Wonders of the Universe
Explore the seven wonders of the ancient world with some of the wonders discovered in space.
March—Cosmic Symphony
Take a audio visual journey through the Universe. Using full dome movies, lasers, and stereophonic sound, we will explore our space neighborhood.
April—Constellation Tour
Take a tour of some of the 88 constellations in the night sky.
May—Tour of the Planets
Take an imaginary journey through the solar system.
June—The Mystery of Stonehenge
Visit a 4000 year old stone structure that may have been an astronomical computer.
July and August—The Summer Stars
See the constellations of the summer sky and learn the mythology associated with these star patterns.
September— When a Dragon Eats the Sun
On October 14th the Sun will appear to be eaten by a Dragon… Explore this event.
October—Moons of the Solar System
There are over 200 moons and we will explore some of the most interesting planet satellites.
November—Orion Returns
View the famous constellations of the winter season.
December—The Christmas Star
The planetarium sky will be set back over 2000 years to the time of the most famous star in history. The movements of the planets and sky will be displayed among the stars.
Public program start promptly at 8:00 p.m.
Reservations are required…. 757- 547-0153
Reservations are held until 7:50 p.m. Late arrivals are not admitted.