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 participating 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!"
