Shoot for the moon and you’ll land in the stars at the PennWest 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..

Planetarium Director Dr. David Hurd welcomes all visitors and guests to take part in programs offered at the multi-functional planetarium. Not only do the students of PennWest Edinboro benefit from the planetarium, but local schools and the general public can take advantage of the planetarium through free public and academic programs.

The Planetarium at PennWest Edinboro offers dynamic, hands-on educational experiences in which students and the public can learn about astronomy-related programs, the stars and various constellations.

Do You Love Science? Consider Joining CHAOS

CHAOS (Cooper Hall Ambassadors of Science) provides PennWest 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 PennWest 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

2/12 @ 7:00 pm, Be My Constellation, a PennWest Planetarium production (SOLD OUT)
Celebrate with your sweetheart under the stars!  Learn about classic lovers memorialized in the constellations and planets in the PennWest Edinboro Planetarium.  Sights, sounds and chocolate… it doesn’t get any better than that!

2/25 @ 7:00 pm, Getting a FEEL for Astronomy, in 172 Cooper Hall (SOLD OUT)
Join PennWest Planetarium director Dr. David Hurd for a "touching" night under the stars.  Explore multiple resources developed by Hurd to bring the heavens within reach of all students, including those who are blind and visually impaired.  Participants will receive several astronomy books adapted for blind and visually impaired students that they can get in the hands of regional teachers to use as a resource in their classrooms!  Come and explore light pollution, the Moon, Mars, Earth, eclipses and more.

3/18 @ 6:00 pm, The World at Night, a PennWest Planetarium production for children ages 1 through 10 (SOLD OUT)
Join us as we visit with one of our nighttime animal friends who tells us all about the night sky! 

3/18 @ 8:00 pm, Spring has Sprung, a PennWest Planetarium production (SOLD OUT)
Explore the reason we celebrate Spring when we do.  Afterwards, a full color laser will fill the dome with sights and sounds.  Warning, this program features loud music and BRIGHT lights so caution should be taken.

4/28 @ 7:00 pm, What’s Up?, a PennWest Planetarium production (SOLD OUT)
Join Dr. Hurd as he delivers his signature “what’s up” of the current night sky and learn all about what you can see in “your backyard”! 

For reservations, please call 814-732-2493 or reserve your tickets online using our online reservation form.

Schedule a Field Trip

Dr. Hurd and PennWest Edinboro are proud to offer free educational programming to surrounding school districts.

Dr. Hurd provides engaging programs for all grade levels and special needs, sharing his enthusiasm for astronomy and love of science. In addition to educational and interactive planetarium programs, students have access to the Cooper Hall natural history museum and the pendulum area when visiting.

If you’re interested in scheduling a field trip to the PennWest Edinboro Planetarium, please contact Dr. Hurd at 814-732-2493.

Directions and Parking

The PennWest 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
Driving Directions | Campus Map

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

David Hurd, PhD
Professor, Director of Planetarium
169 Cooper Hall
Email: dhurd@pennwest.edu
Phone: 814-732-2495