SCSU Planetarium

Inspiring Universal Curiosity

Welcome to the SCSU Planetarium

Serving over 2,000 guests each year, the SCSU Planetarium welcomes school field trips, birthday parties, family outings, and other special events.

The star ball projector that lights up the night sky inside the Planetarium is called Chronos and is one of only 16 operating in the United States. With its analog mechanics, the Chronos gives exact replications of the night sky without much light pollution. Scientific films and documentaries are also shown in the Planetarium with our full dome projection system.

The St. Cloud State University Planetarium has been a featured treasure on campus since 1973 and is located in the lower level of the Wick Science Building.

See you under the night sky!

Availability and Show Schedule

September-December 2025
Monday: 12:30-1 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday: 12:30-1 p.m.
Thursday: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Saturday: Limited availability by request

Times indicate show start times. Additional shows may be available upon request.

SELECT AND RESERVE A SHOW

Upcoming Planetarium Events

Huskies at the Planetarium

Two hand pointing up at planetarium screen showing a galaxy

SCSU's Advancement and Alumni Engagement presents "Minnesota in the Cosmos." The film will be followed by a tour of the night sky where we will discuss celestial objects, constellations and phenomena that can be seen at that time of year.

Huskies at the Planetarium
5:30 p.m. Friday, April 18
Event is free with limited seating

Huskies at the Planetarium is suitable for ages seven and older.

Learn more and reserve a seat

Public Night & National Space Day

Two young men leaning back in their chairs watching a planetarium show

May 2 is National Space Day!

The SCSU Planetarium invites the St. Cloud and surrounding communities for a night at the Planetarium. Enjoy a premier of "Always Above: Space is Closer Than You Think" followed by a tour of the night sky.

SCSU Planetarium Public Night
5 p.m. Friday, May 2
Wick Science Building, lower level, room 24

Space is limited. Email planetarium@stcloudstate.edu to reserve a seat.

Statewide Star Party

Vivid display of purple and green northern lights over pine trees

In collaboration with the Bell Museum, join the SCSU Planetarium as we celebrate the night sky's most colorful show with "Aurora Voyage: Chasing the Northern Lights." Activities include games, arts and crafts, a short Planetarium film about our sun, and a tour of the current night sky.

Statewide Star Party
September 18 and 19
6:30-9 p.m.
Wick Science Building, lower level, rooms 22 and 24
St. Cloud State University

The Statewide Star Party is free and open to the public. Reserve your spot today at planetarium@stcloudstate.edu.

2024-25 SCSU Planetarium by the Numbers

Scheduled Shows

1700+

Stargazing Visitors

Public Events

Planetarium Updates and Resources

Planetarium sky projecting Orien and Taurus the bull

The SCSU Planetarium works hard to provide quality shows for individuals from all walks of life. Explore on your own with our resource hub

Planetarium Resource Hub

National Eclipse Ballooning Project (NEBP)

In 2023, six SCSU students along with Professor Rachel Humphrey traveled to Socorro, New Mexico as part of the Minnesota cohort launching stratosphere-destined weather balloons. Their mission was to collect data about temperature, humidity, pressure, wind, speed/direction, and other atmospheric conditions that occur before, during, and after a total eclipse.

Learn More About the National Eclipse Ballooning Project (NEBP)

See a Planetarium Show

About the Planetarium

The SCSU Planetarium opened in 1973 and has proven to be a unique educational facility that strives to educate university students in the classroom setting. When not used as a classroom, it is a form of outreach, bringing the wonders of the natural world to the people of Central Minnesota.

Find the entrance to the Planetarium in the basement/lower level of the Wick Science Building, room 24.

SCSU Planetarium
Wick Science Building
825 1st Ave S
St. Cloud, MN 56301

Plan Your Visit

Shows

Plan Your Visit

Resource Hub