Constructed in 1967, then extensively renovated and updated in 2008, today the Planetarium features:
- semi-circular, movie theater style planetarium seating with 50 seats under the dome
- sound system by Bowen Technovations
- Digistar 3 SP2 HD digital projector from Evans & Sutherland – two lenses with each covering projection for half of the dome, multimedia and full-dome video capabilities
Strickler Planetarium offers one-of-a-kind learning opportunities for Olivet students. As an Olivet student, you can:
- Study astronomy as part of the program for the minor in Earth and Space Sciences.
- Experience a three-dimensional, accurate model of the night sky, solar system, galaxy and beyond.
- Work as an operator with the Planetarium staff and present live portions of the shows.
- Learn to use the Planetarium as a teaching tool.
- Gain hands-on experience in science education.
- And so much more!
Also open to the public, the Planetarium regularly hosts community, school and other groups for private tours and shows. Audiences are immersed as never before in a three-dimensional visualization of the night sky, the solar system, the galaxy and beyond. The Digistar’s stellar database means that simulated travel through space is more than simple special effects — it’s an actual journey through an accurate model of our stellar neighborhood.
Past shows include:
- “The Haunted Planetarium”
- “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket”
- “The Stars of Christmas”
- “Dawn of the Space Age”
- “Attack of the Space Pirates”
- “Big Bird’s Adventure”
Check out the latest schedule of upcoming shows, or schedule a field trip for your school, by visiting Strickler Planetarium’s official website, or by contacting the Department of Physical Sciences.