Astronomy at the Herrett Center for Arts & Science

Astronomy

The Faulkner Planetarium

Faulkner Planetarium Opened in November 1995, the Faulkner Planetarium is the largest planetarium theater in Idaho, seating 144 under a 50' dome.  An upgrade to a state-of-the-art Digistar 7 fulldome projection system with 10,200 W Dolby 5.1 surround sound made the Faulkner Idaho's most advanced planetarium theater.

More about the Faulkner Planetarium

The Centennial Observatory

Centennial Observatory Features one of the world's largest fully wheelchair-accessible public telescopes.  The main instrument—the Norman Herrett telescope—is 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 and 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

The Olive & Miles Browning Gallery

Currently on Exhibit:

  • "ViewSpace" - NASA's continuously-updated high-def video program with the latest images of the universe, news on ongoing missions, and more.
  Planetarium Show Times
(through September 5th)
  Tuesdays 1:30 2:30 3:30

7:00 8:00
  Wednesdays 1:30 2:30 3:30
  Thursdays 1:30 2:30 3:30
  Fridays 1:30 2:30 3:30

7:00 8:00
  Saturdays 1:30 2:30 3:30
6:00 7:00 8:00
  Now Showing
  Additional shows offered at certain times.
 
  • Assistive listening devices available upon request.
  • Open captioning available upon request for some shows.
  • No food, drink, or late entry.
  • Dark conditions and audio/visual effects may be too intense for children under four.

  Observatory Open Hours &
Admission Prices
  Monthly Star Parties:
  2nd Saturday of the month, year round (weather permitting).
Time: Starting about one hour after sunset, ending two hours later or 9:00 PM, whichever is later.
Admission: FREE
   
  Summer Solar Sessions:
  Wednesdays, Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting).
Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Admission: FREE
   
  Telescope Tuesdays:
  2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, Nov. through Feb. (weather permitting).
Time: About one hour after sunset until 9:00 PM.
Admission: $1.50 per person (children 6 and under are free) or FREE with planetarium show admission.