Planetarium — San Bernardino Valley College
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Planetarium
plan·​e·​tar·​i·​um
plural
planetariums
or
planetaria
a model or representation of the solar system
a: an optical device for projecting various celestial images and effects
b: a building or room housing such a projector
A classroom at the edge of forever. A tourist office for the rest of the Universe.
Our Planetarium is where students, curious types and the community come to learn about
their Universe. The George F. Beattie Planetarium has served the Inland Empire for
over 46 years, providing entertainment, affordable family evenings and an environment
sparking curiosity about our planet, the Solar System and the stars.
Planetarium Feedback Survey
Trifid Nebula
SBVC Planetarium
SBVC Planetarium
SBVC Planetarium
SBVC Planetarium
Free Planetarium Shows Open to the Public
Doors open at 7:00pm.
Visitors can expect a 20-minute show, 20-minute star presentation, and 20-minute Q&A.
Shows last approximately one hour; weather permitting, we offer free stargazing and
telescopic views following the show.
This event ends at 10:00pm.
Parking in Student Lot 10 is suggested.
Contact Tom Varden at
wvarden@valleycollege.edu
or
(909) 384-8539
Custom shows are available for your group or event.
Upcoming Events
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N.A. Richardson Astronomical Observatory Clear Sky Chart
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About
A part of the great Astronomy tradition in Southern California, Valley College's Planetarium
offers shows to local schools, clubs and organizations throughout the year. The facility
is available for special events, lectures, fundraisers and custom use and serves as
a unique classroom available to all departments at S.B.V.C. as a multimedia learning
space that's constantly changing and pushing the imagination through technology.
The Planetarium seats approximately 75, features a dynamic multimedia system with
many special effects and a very rare, vintage Spitz-Goto star projector. Rotating
exhibits of science artifacts, stargazing events and lots of cool interactive space
stuff make this a great destination for families, students or curious types. It's
a full multi-media experience and one of the most uniquely appointed vintage classrooms
in the U.S..
Named for George F. Beattie, a long time SBVC math and astronomy professor, the Planetarium
opened in Fall 1977. In addition to being used as a teaching facility, public shows
are generally held twice a month on Friday evenings. The Planetarium also provides
programs during the day for local school groups by appointment.
At the Planetarium, you're likely to find former Coordinator Chris Clarke tending
roses, running the projector and telling stories about the Cosmos or you may find
the Planetarium's new director, Wayne "Major Tom" Varden, from Griffith Observatory
in Los Angeles looking for the place where Edwin Hubble spoke on campus. They'll try
to answer any questions you may have about the Universe or schedule that special evening
for your group.
SBCCD
Crafton Hills College
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A college of the
San Bernardino Community College District
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701 South Mount Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92410
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