Robinson Planetarium

The Robinson planetarium is located in Peelle Hall at the corner of Charles and Williams streets with the entrance on Williams St. (MAP).
History:
The Robinson Planetarium, built in 1966 features a 30 foot dome and a Spitz A-3-P star projector. Seating is available for 62 guests. The planetarium is housed in Peelle Hall on the Adrian College Campus. The planetarium is named after Herbert Robinson a distinguished industrialist, who provided funds for the construction of the facility.

Mission:
The Robinson Planetarium serves the Adrian community in several ways. First, the planetarium is used for teaching Astronomy courses taught at Adrian College. Second, entertaining and educational programs are presented in the planetarium throughout the academic year. These shows are free and open to the public. See below for a current Schedule of Events. Finally, special shows for school groups (K-12) can be arranged by contacting astronomer Mr. Mark Fairclough (517) 265 5161 EXT 4788. mfairclough@adrian.edu

 

Schedule of Events:

The planetarium is open during the academic year (late August though late April). We occasionally have shows during the summer but programs for special groups are limited.at ti

All shows are free and open to the public.

Schedule of Events

 

 

 

Friday November 20 This Starry Night

 

Friday November 27 3 PM Afternoon Special Program:

"Four Hundred Years of the Telescope"

 

Friday November 27"Things that go Bump in the Night - METEOROIDS"

. ..............................All shows are at 7:00PM unless otherwise noted

 

 

Special Event!

Four Hundred Years of the Telescope

Friday, November 27th at 3:00 PM

Under a canopy of fall constellations in the planetarium, there will be a special afternoon program "Four Hundred Years of the Telescope"

This PBS documentary program lasts approximately 60 minutes and is a historical account of the use and discoveries of the telescope. Galileo turned the "spy glass" first telescope to the sky discovering four of Jupiter's moons, phases on the planet Venus, sunspots, and the moon with craters and mountains. The video is a wonderful history from the first discoveries to today's giant telescopes searching for life in outer space.

For more information about this special event contact astronomer Mark Fairclough at the Robinson Planetarium and Observatory 517 265 5161 EXT 4788 or by E-mail at mfairclough@adrian.edu.

This Starry Night"

Friday November 20th at 7:00 PM

Join astronomer Matt Linke for a live presentation that will cover the bright stars, constellations, and planets of the sky this time of the year. Some mythology, a little astronomy, and a few telescope objects will be included. There will also be an opportunity for questions at the end. Appropriate for most ages. Approximately 35 minutes. .

Friday November 27th. at 7:00 PM "Things that go Bump in the Night - METEOROIDS"

 

................................All shows are at 7:00 PM

Admission for all events is FREE!

Group Program Shows:
Special shows for school groups can be scheduled by calling astronomer Mr. Mark Fairclough at 517-265-5161 Ext. 4788 mfairclough@adrian.edu

Favorite Links to interesting and informative Astronomy web sites.

Windows to the Universe Learn all about the universe in this great educational site from the Univ. of Michigan.
Constellations Everything you ever wanted to know about constellations and more. Great educational site from the Univ. of Wisconsin.
Planets Great educational web site for planets.
Pictures National Space Science Data Center has compiled of great photos of celestial objects from many different sources.
Auroras Cool site full of information about auroras, including a teacher guide.
Can I buy a star? Before you buy a star, check out this web site.

SpaceWeather This site has information updated daily about where to see satellites, the northern lights and much more


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Last Modified November 16, 2009aturday February 16th