Edinboro Planetarium
Shoot for the Moon and you’ll land in the stars at the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Edinboro Planetarium.
Whether you want to stargaze, journey to distant galaxies or explore the solar system, you’ll find our planetarium to be the gateway to the universe..
It's the end of an era. After a third of a century (1992-2025) Planetarium Director Dr. David Hurd has retired and moved on to the next phase of his life. The planetarium will certainly never be the same...but the shows must go on.
Mr. Roger Sargent will be conducting public evening shows in 2025/26 under the direction of Dr. Richard Lloyd. Sargent has been a volunteer for 29 years in the observatory and planetarium and will keep some of Dr. Hurd's traditions alive while adding a different flair to the programs.
Whether you want to learn about the movements of Starship Earth or journey to the most distant galaxies, there will be something for everybody at the shows. And to quote Dr. Hurd, "Keep looking up!"
Do You Love Science? Consider Joining CHAOS
CHAOS (Cooper Hall Ambassadors of Science) provides ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Edinboro students of all majors with an opportunity to work directly with K-12 students and the public in planetarium operations and as docents for the museum.
Events at the Planetarium
The ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Edinboro Planetarium offers an array of family-friendly educational programs that are out of this world.
These events take place in the evening and are open to all community members and students
free of charge; however, reservations are required.
Upcoming shows
Already know which show you want to attend? Then make your reservation.
The Great Andromeda Galaxy
March 16 (Monday), 7 p.m.
The first half of this program will be a PowerPoint explaining what galaxies are and
featuring our next‑door neighbor, the Andromeda Galaxy. It will be followed by a tour
of the night sky under the planetarium stars, where you will learn about the spring
night sky and how to locate the Andromeda Galaxy in the west.
Orion’s Great Winter Hunt…
March 26 (Thursday), 7 p.m.
…is coming to an end. Learn where Orion came from and where it is heading. Along the way, discover other celestial characters and their nightly and yearly journey across the sky.
Shadow of the April Moon: Erie's 2024 Total Eclipse
April 9 (Thursday), 7 p.m.
Yesterday was the second anniversary of the Great Eclipse. Guest speaker Dr. David Horne, astronomy/physics professor at Gannon University, will discuss the science and outreach aspects of that epic event. For those who would like to stay longer we will turn the lights off and the stars on to study the current night sky.
Where Are You Heading in Life?
April 23 (Thursday), 7 p.m.
We can’t give advice on relationships, careers, or school, but we can explain where
you are heading in the universe and how fast you are moving. You may be surprised
by how many directions you’re traveling. This program includes a half‑hour PowerPoint
and a half‑hour under the planetarium stars.
For questions about reservations or group reservations, please contact .
Retired Planetarium Director, Dr. David Hurd (1992-2025)
For over three decades, Dr. Hurd has dedicated his career to teaching astronomy at
ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Edinboro, sharing his passion with the wider community through public planetarium
shows, and inspiring countless students by welcoming hundreds of school groups. While
the planetarium won’t be the same without him, we’re proud to carry forward his legacy
by continuing to educate and inspire both the public and the next generation of stargazers.
Directions and Parking
The ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Edinboro Planetarium is located on the first floor of the Cooper Science Center, with entry through the Museum in Room 161. Cooper Science Center is located off Darrow Road.
Cooper Science Center
230 Scotland Road
Edinboro, PA 16444
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Parking is convenient and easy to find. Please follow the instructions for Event Parking.
Contact Us
Planetarium
161 Cooper Hall
230 Scotland Road
Edinboro, PA 16444
Phone: 814-732-2493
Roger Sargent
Planetarium Coordinator
Email: rsargent@pennwest.edu