Public Outreach | Department of Astronomy

The Department of Astronomy sponsors several public outreach programs serving the OSU community and the citizens of central Ohio. These programs are designed to educate the public about astronomy through planetarium shows, telescope viewing nights, lectures and reading materials.

OSU Planetarium

A variety of programs are available in our 80-seat Spitz planetarium located in Smith Laboratory on the OSU main campus in Columbus, Ohio. Special planetarium programs for school and community groups are available upon request.

New Vistas in Astronomy Lecture Series

A mini-course on the Universe for the general public. Lectures are given by OSU faculty each month at the Perkins Observatory in Delaware, Ohio.

Roof Nights

Planetarium shows and telescope viewing sessions open to all students enrolled in the introductory astronomy courses during the school year. Members of the OSU community (students, staff, and their immediate families) are welcome to attend on a space-available basis.

Global Astronomy Day 2012

Special Star Party on Saturday, April 28 from 8:30-11pm (weather permitting) in conjunction with Global Astronomy Day 2012.