The planetarium shows are run with a Minolta MS-8 star projector, two video projectors, and 36 slide projectors all controlled by a computer program. As you enter the Downing Planetarium building, you will be greeted by a spacious lobby. On the front side, you will find the donor wall, a photograph of comet Hale-Bopp, a solar system scale and an elements scale, a gravity well, and a sundial. On th
e other side are display cases with science toys and meteorites and entrance to the star theater.At the top of the picture is one of the murals painted by Lynette Cook in July 2002. The Downing Planetarium Gift Shop
The hallway from the lobby then leads to the gift shop. In the gift shop, you will find posters, T-shirts, bookmarks, and all kinds of science toys. The Downing Planetarium Museum is now open for school field trips, and will soon be open to the public on selected weekends. The museum is located directly behind the Downing Planetarium, and consists of hands-on astronomy and physics exhibits. The Downing Planetarium is a non-profit organization which relies on donations to support our educational work. To make a donation to the Downing Planetarium, please contact Dr. Steven White by phone at (559)278-4020.
