About us
The Wayne State University (WSU) Planetarium is proud to feature a state-of-the-art Spitz High Definition Digital System for a presentation of modern planetarium shows. Learn about the planets, our solar system, stars, galaxies and other wonders of the universe. Be dazzled by one of our amazing fulldome films.
Wayne State and the Department of Physics and Astronomy are passionate about science education. And because of our commitment to outreach, which is centered around our state-of-the-art digital planetarium, we can excite, amaze and inspire our audiences, whether young or adult, about the wonders of science.
Our features
We feature weekly public shows, programs for K-12 school groups, shows for special interest groups, and specialized shows for Wayne State University students. Our shows are designed to entertain, educate and inspire you and this is why our motto is explore, discover, be inspired.
Our mission
To educate and excite the Wayne State University and metro Detroit community about astronomy and the sciences more generally. Our primary purpose is to engage students at Wayne State University with astronomy and astrophysics.
As part of this mission, we encourage future Wayne State students and their families in scientific literacy through our K-12 and community programming. The planetarium provides a high-profile learning environment for school children in grades K-12, and Wayne State students enrolled in physical science courses especially those enrolled in the department's B.A. astronomy program.
You'll find our planetarium and outreach staff on and off campus as we promote our physics and astronomy programs and planetarium inspiring young people and adults in to choose a career in science. We also provide learning resources to the Greater Detroit area. We have extended our services to the general public by presenting public planetarium shows, public science lectures and by offering our planetarium as a special events venue.
Outreach programs
Our outreach efforts begin in the intimate setting of the Wayne State University Planetarium, home to our digital projection system, and travel beyond the doors of our theatre. Our motto is, "The sky is NOT the limit!"
In addition to our educational planetarium shows we present Phantastic Physics Phenomena demonstrations, hands-on science activities for private groups and at regional family science events.
Our planetarium is the vehicle that enables us to reach the largest audiences possible and through our outreach programs, we are bringing a new level of physics and astronomy education to the community.
Camp Cosmos
This camp incorporates physics and astronomy curricula and gives students in grades 7-10 the opportunity to learn Starry Night planetarium software, enables them to create their own planetarium shows in partnership with other camp participants, attend physics and astronomy lectures and labs, and experience campus life at Wayne State University. To learn more about this exciting summer camp, please contact us at outreach@physics.wayne.edu or call 313-577-2107.
Directions
The WSU Planetarium is located at 4841 Cass Avenue in the Old Main Building - the building with the clock tower - at the corner of Cass and Warren avenues on the campus of Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. Enter the Old Main Building on the Cass Avenue entrance, go down the stairs and walk straight ahead. You will see our beautiful wall murals and the double doors of our Planetarium on your right, room 0209!
Join one of our public events (public shows and public lectures) which are normally scheduled on Friday evenings.
To schedule a special show or special event, please complete our group registration form.