Julia Fowler Planetarium

Exploring the Julia Fowler Planetarium in St. Davids, United States

The Julia Fowler Planetarium, located in St. Davids, is a captivating destination for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages. This gem serves thousands of students from pre-kindergarten through college each year. With its focus on education and engagement, the planetarium has become an integral part of the community.

Exceptional Educational Programs

Throughout the year, the planetarium offers outstanding educational programs designed to inspire young minds. It opens its doors to the public three times a year, featuring special presentations such as the popular “The Star of Bethlehem” show in December. Visitors can enjoy a typical public offering that includes a 25-minute presentation on “The Sky Tonight,” followed by an additional 25 minutes of an IMAX-like fulldome video. These shows provide a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe.

Innovative Planetarium Technology

In May 2015, the planetarium underwent a significant upgrade, installing a SciDome XC-S two-projector system. This new projection system boasts six times the resolution and four times the brightness of its predecessor, making it one of the brightest and highest-resolution planetariums in a 20-foot diameter dome worldwide. The planetarium also features a SciTouch infrared laser controller, transforming the dome into an interactive touch screen. This innovative technology allows users to engage directly with the displayed content, enhancing the learning experience.

Advanced Earth Science Studies

Alongside its stellar presentations, the Julia Fowler Planetarium offers the Layered Earth geology software. Dubbed “Google Earth on steroids,” this tool enables users to explore hundreds of overlays plotted on the surface and beneath the 3D Earth. Such advanced features facilitate deeper understanding and exploration of Earth science topics.

Visit the Julia Fowler Planetarium

The Julia Fowler Planetarium is recognized as the “Best Place to Ponder the Heavens” by Main Line Today Magazine in July 2009. In addition to public offerings, the planetarium accommodates field trips and private showings, catering to a variety of audiences. Past shows have included intriguing topics like “Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity” and “We Are Astronomers.”

To learn more about upcoming events or schedule a visit, interested individuals can contact Cole Neumann at 610.341.1390 or via email at nicholas.neumann@eastern.edu. The Julia Fowler Planetarium continues to shine as a beacon of education and inspiration in St. Davids.