Astronomy
The Faulkner Planetarium
Opened in November 1995, the Faulkner Planetarium is the largest planetarium theater in Idaho, and one of the best equipped in the northwestern U.S. The theater seats 144 under a 50' dome and features a Digistar II digital graphics projection system. Digital projection technology immerses the audience in sights and sounds for a truly memorable theater experience.
More about the Faulkner Planetarium
The Centennial Observatory
The observatory features the one of the world's largest fully handicapped-accessible public telescopes. The main instrument is the Norman Herrett telescope, a 24" Ritchey-Chretien reflector on a computer-controlled fork mount, manufactured by DFM Engineering of Longmont, Colorado, USA. The ARE-125, an optical "periscope" designed by DFM, allows unprecedented access to the telescope for wheelchair bound or limited mobility vistors. An Apogee Alta E47+ CCD camera is available for imaging, a generous gift of Dick and Jody Shotwell.
More about the Centennial Observatory
The Olive & Miles Browning Gallery
Currently on Exhibit:
- "International Year of Astronomy 2009 Great Observatories Image" - Combined data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Infrared Space Telescope, and Chandra X-Ray Observatory of the beautiful spiral galaxy M101.
- "ViewSpace" - NASA's continuously-updated high-def video program with the latest images of the universe, ongoing missions, and more.
| Current Planetarium Show Times* (through March 24th, 2012) |
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| Tuesdays | 7:00 PM | |
| Fridays | 7:00 PM 8:15 PM | |
| Saturdays | 2:00 PM 4:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:15 PM |
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| Now Showing | ||
| Show times vary throughout the year. | ||
| *Assistive listening devices available upon request. No food, drink, or late entry. Dark conditions and audio/visual effects may be too intense for children under four. | ||
| Planetarium Admission Prices* | ||
| Educational Programs | ||
| Adults | $4.50 | |
| Seniors (60+) | $3.50 | |
| Students (incl. CSI w/ activity card) | $2.50 | |
| Up to five minor children when accompanied by a parent/guardian | $1.00 ea. | |
| Children under age 2 | FREE | |
| Music/entertainment programs | ||
| All ages | $4.50 | |
| *50% discount for Planetary Society members and families. | ||
| Now Showing | ||
| Observatory Open Hours & Admission Prices |
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| Monthly Star Parties: | |
| 2nd Saturday of the month, year round (weather permitting). Time: One hour after sunset to Midnight. Admission: FREE |
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| Astronomy Talk Nights: | |
| Following bimonthly astronomy talk (Friday nearest the new Moon in odd months). Weather permitting. Time: One hour after sunset or 8:15 PM (whichever is latest) to midnight. Admission: $1.50 per person (children 6 and under are free) or FREE with admission to astronomy talk or planetarium show. |
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| Summer Solar Sessions: | |
| Wednesdays, Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting). Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM Admission: FREE |
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| Telescope Tuesdays: | |
| 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, November through February (weather permitting). Time: 1 hour after sunset to 9:00 PM. Admission: $1.50 per person (children 6 and under are free) or FREE with planetarium show admission. |
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