DuPont Planetarium

Important announcement: Planetarium & Observatory closure

The DuPont Planetarium and Bechtel Telescope Observatory will be closed on October 31 and November 7, 2026, due to an unforeseen maintenance issue.

We are currently assessing the situation, and future programming dates are being evaluated. While we hope to resume normal operations as soon as possible, additional closures may be necessary, and we are unable to confirm a reopening date at this time.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve the issue. Please continue to check our website and social media pages for updates regarding future programming and reopening plans.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center.

The DuPont Planetarium exists to inspire others to explore the majesty of the heavens. Visitors ages four and up can attend public shows presented every Saturday. We encourage our visitors to reserve seats in advance. If you make a reservation, please arrive no later than 20 minutes before the show starts. All unclaimed reservations will be released 10 minutes before the show.

The DuPont Planetarium, housed in the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, has 57 seats, a 30-foot-diameter tilted aluminum dome by Astro-Tec, and a Digistar 6 planetarium projection system from Evans & Sutherland.

While most DuPont Planetarium programs focus on astronomy and encourage exploration of the night sky, some shows focus on history and other science areas. All shows involve an enthusiastic presenter eager to share the majesty of the heavens with visitors. Digistar Special Effects shows entertainment by using the power of the Digistar 6 system to create shapes that dance across the dome to lively music.

Student Programs

Each year, thousands of K-12 school children visit the planetarium during the school day for exciting programs that meet science standards. These programs are reserved and scheduled like other Ruth Patrick Science Education Center student programs. We also conduct specialized programs for university classes.

RPSEC Observatory

The RPSEC Observatory (on the roof of the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center) is open after public shows on Saturday evenings, weather permitting. The Bechtel Telescope housed in the RPSEC Observatory provides views of planets, nebulae, and other celestial objects.

Private Programs

Private shows are arranged for educational groups such as scouts, preschools, and colleges, as well as for fun events such as birthday parties and company celebrations. See the Private Planetarium Programs section to schedule a private showing for your group.