Neil Armstrong Planetarium

Neil Armstrong Planetarium AAHS grades 9-12, hosting anything from birthday parties to scout groups to a 9-week adult course!👽 So come visit the Planetarium!

The Neil Armstrong Planetarium at Altoona Area High School (AAHS) is an active part of the Altoona and wider Blair County community. During the school day, approximately 150 high school students are educated in the Planetarium's 2 year-long Academic Astronomy classes (level 3) an 3 semester-long Astronomy classes (level 2). Astronomy is an elective at AAHS, but does count for science credits for p

articipating students. Elementary school groups often visit the Planetarium in the afternoon, particularly students from nearby Penn-Lincoln Elementary, who all make the short walk to the Planetarium with their teachers 3x per year. The Planetarium has hosted groups from every public elementary school in Altoona, as well as Parochial and homeschool groups. A typical evening may see the Planetarium play host to a birthday party, visiting Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Brownies, or Girl Scout group, private sky show, or even a night of our new Adult Night Sky Study course! The Planetarium has truly become a cross-curricular facility, with interactive modules designed for mythology, history, English, and environmental sciences classes. We are expanding our community partnerships, and have worked with the Altoona Public Library, Quaint Corner Children's Museum, Fort Roberdeau, Indian Caverns, and the Church in the Middle of the Block community center. There's always something to explore "Inside Outer Space!"

Apparently an impromptu concert is breaking out in Period 2 Academic Astronomy! We’ll see if these Bros are as good as t...
06/03/2026

Apparently an impromptu concert is breaking out in Period 2 Academic Astronomy! We’ll see if these Bros are as good as they say they are. 😉 🎶 🎸

(2/2) Our ‘Toona Tune-Up featured AAHS Juniors Gwendeline, Emily, and Chastity getting pressed into educational service ...
06/03/2026

(2/2) Our ‘Toona Tune-Up featured AAHS Juniors Gwendeline, Emily, and Chastity getting pressed into educational service last minute, and all 3 Astronomy Club Juniors did SPECTACULAR jobs! Swipe R to see the Fort’s new Lead Mine Exhibit. 🇺🇸

06/03/2026

(1/2) AAHS Astronomy Club Juniors Gwendeline, Emily, and Chastity met me at Fort Roberdeau- and we got pressed into service. A Fort volunteer had to cancel, so we quickly opened the Mt. Lion Observatory and showcased sunspots and finding direction with the Sun to visiting Logan Elementary 4th Grade, before touring them through the Fort’s new lead mine exhibit! They did great. ☀️ 🔭 🐆 🇺🇸

Okay so cool: Cyber Astronomy (ACA) was ROUGH this year. But I had one shining star: a student named Anna H. Anna was en...
05/28/2026

Okay so cool: Cyber Astronomy (ACA) was ROUGH this year. But I had one shining star: a student named Anna H. Anna was enthusiastic and completed all assignments early- and her work was exemplary. She sent me the nicest card- with hand-drawn planet stickers! These are such a VIBE I can’t bear to use them. They are just perfect. 🌞 🌎 🪐 🛸 💫

One of the less glamorous- but still important- aspects of my job. No charge for this one, AASD. I bring my vacuum from ...
05/27/2026

One of the less glamorous- but still important- aspects of my job. No charge for this one, AASD. I bring my vacuum from home. 💨 😉

While our CubeSat collab with St. Francis and MIT continues next year, our Space Balloon project is wrapping up! AAHS st...
05/26/2026

While our CubeSat collab with St. Francis and MIT continues next year, our Space Balloon project is wrapping up! AAHS students Zoomed with Dr. Miller from SFU to review data collected as our balloon reached the ozone layer, and instruments recorded the expected temperature increase. Thanks SFU! 🌌 🎈

Even in a downpour, a nice couple drove the whole way over from Warriors Path to receive a crash course on learning how ...
05/22/2026

Even in a downpour, a nice couple drove the whole way over from Warriors Path to receive a crash course on learning how to use their beautiful new refractor, which their children bought them for Christmas. We’ll hope for better weather in June! 🌌 🔭 🇺🇸 👽 🌔 🛸

UPDATE: Due to a cloudy forecast that hasn’t improved all week, tonight’s “Learn to Use Your Telescope” program at the M...
05/22/2026

UPDATE: Due to a cloudy forecast that hasn’t improved all week, tonight’s “Learn to Use Your Telescope” program at the Mt. Lion Observatory has been MOVED to join an existing Starlight Astronomy Club sky watch at Canoe Creek State Park. If you still want to bring your scope out to learn to use it, feel free! We’ll see you at Canoe Creek at 8:00PM. 🌌 🔭 ☁️

Heading to the Poconos this Fall? You should be! Join Eric Mintel Investigates, other excellent presenters, (and me) for...
05/20/2026

Heading to the Poconos this Fall? You should be! Join Eric Mintel Investigates, other excellent presenters, (and me) for the 1st Annual Pocono ParaCon on October 4th! Tickets are on sale now. 👻 👽 🌔 🐺 🛸 🧟‍♀️

https://shermantheater.com/event/para-con/sherman-theater/

SAVE THE DATE!!This Friday, May 22nd, come visit Fort Roberdeau after dark at the Mountain Lion Observatory. Parking be...
05/19/2026

SAVE THE DATE!!

This Friday, May 22nd, come visit Fort Roberdeau after dark at the Mountain Lion Observatory. Parking begins at 8:00pm and the program will begin at 8:30pm. Admission is free. $5 parking donation at the gate.

Bring your own telescope and learn how to use it or peek through one of the provided ones. NEW THIS YEAR "Ask An Astronomer Q&A"!! Begin the evening by asking questions! All questions are welcome: telescopes, aliens, UFOs, and astronomy!
See you there!

Address

1415 Sixth Avenue
Altoona, PA
16602

Telephone

+18149468300

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