University of Wyoming Planetarium
Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium
UW Department of Physics and Astronomy
The University of Wyoming is the proud home to the Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium, operated
by
Department of Physics and Astronomy
. The 27ft diameter dome seats 64 and uses cutting-edge laser projectors, surround
audio, and simulation software to immerse the audience in astronomical scenarios,
cosmic voyages, and virtual environments. Use the quick links below or scroll down
for more info!
Get Tickets Online
Upcoming Public Shows
Field Trip Request Form
Main Page
Planetarium Show Schedule
Planetarium Show Catalog
Public Shows
All programs are approximately one hour in length and are open to the public. Tickets
can be purchased ahead of time online with credit card or at the door with cash.
Set Up a Private Show
Affordable private shows can be arranged for your family, friends, or any group that
you want to get together. We can host field trips for schools, scouting, clubs, vocational,
senior activities, date nights, birthday parties, or any other function you can imagine.
Fill in the request form early to secure a date and time!
Star Observatory
UW has four key observatories with opportunities for public visits. The Student Training
And Research (S.T.A.R.) Observatory, atop the Physical Sciences Building, supports
education and research for UW Physics and Astronomy students. Tours are available
at 8pm on even-numbered Tuesdays after Wyoming Skies or by request.
Bringing Astronomy to Life!
The Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium is dedicated to sharing the excitement of science
and space with everyone! We offer a variety of public shows and events each week Fridays
7pm and 8:30pm, Saturdays 2pm, 7pm and 8:30pm, and even date Tuesday 7pm. You can
check out our
public show schedule
for the titles and times of each show. All programs are approximately an hour in
length and open to the public. Programs range from thought-provoking and educational
to fun and light-hearted. There’s something for everyone!
For a full description of each show refer to
our show catalog.
Buy Tickets Here
Monthly Planetarium Events
Constellation Talks
On even-number Tuesdays at 7pm join us to explore the Wyoming Skies! Discuss and learn
more about the constellations, meteor showers, planets, and other celestial events.
Each show has a timely highlight event like eclipses, comets, or seasonal deep sky
objects. Rooftop observatory tours available at 8pm after the show!
Live Science Talks
Fridays at 7pm we gather for a live science presentation with custom immersive visuals
in the planetarium covering special topics in space sciences, new astronomical discoveries,
and exploration.
Educational Films
Saturday at 2pm and 7pm experience immersive full-dome films on our massive planetarium
screen! Enjoy educational films on space science, exploration, history, culture, and
astronomy.
Music Shows
Friday and Saturday at 8:30 pm watch the planetarium dome melt into a "Liquid Sky"
and come alive with color, patterns, and the scenery of the cosmos all set the rhythm,
melodies, and harmonies of your favorite music. Custom visuals preformed live and
playlists updated weekly.
View Full Schedule
Plan a Field Trip to the Planetarium
Private planetarium shows provide an unforgettable and engaging K-12 field trip experience!
Our skilled staff offers interactive presentations tailored to any grade level, ensuring
every student is captivated by the wonders of space and astronomy. Fill out the
Field Trip/Private Show Request
form to get started.
You can also combine your planetarium field trip with a visit to some of UW’s other
impressive attractions like the:
Geological Museum
American Heritage Center
Science Kitchen
Can’t visit in person?
Inquire about an outreach trip where we can bring telescopes, meteors, and space
science to you!
Request a Field Trip
Visit the Planetarium
Come visit us! The UW Planetarium is located in the sub-basement of the Physical Sciences
Building on the west side of campus. The Physical Sciences building is located at
the (would-be) intersection of Fremont and 10th street. For evening and weekend shows
enter at the south-west entrance of Physical Sciences closest to the classroom building
as all other doors will be locked. Follow the signs down a level to our lobby and
another level to our main entry. The planetarium is located under SCI-DIY with an
elevator and stairs. The planetarium is wheelchair accessible. View the interactive
campus map
Parking
UW Planetarium not responsible for parking tickets, towing, or vehicle damage.
9th or Ivinson Street Parking - generally free after 6pm and weekends during our public
show hours. Extremely limited free street parking during school hours so check for
City of Laramie Permit only signs 6am - 6pm M - F.
Ivinson Parking Garage 3rd floor free after 5pm and weekends, otherwise ~$2.25/hr
up to 2 hrs, check individual meter.
Park at Free South Shuttle Parking Lot and ride UWyo Bus to 9th St stop - shuttle
operates every 10 minutes M-F during UW business days.
Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Physical Science Building
1000 E. University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071
Email:
planetarium@uwyo.edu
Phone:
(307) 766-6506
The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie
Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year
university with the
top research universities
in the United States.