when requesting the planetarium / FAQ:

• the planetarium dome MUST be used indoors
• participants sit on the floor
• we can make some accommodations for physically challenged individuals (we do all we can!) – let’s discuss if you have questions
• we request that you arrange for at least 3 shows per school day and we can give up to 7 shows per school day (we’d like to reach 45 or more people per event)
• at least one adult representative (teacher, librarian, aide, etc.) must be inside the dome when we are presenting

• Dome Capacity:
  • One-class version: ~25 students (plus teacher(s)) – absolute maximum number is 30 (if they are not high schoolers)
  • Two-plus-class version (in cooperation with Tennessee State University): ~60 students (plus teachers); we are often able to arrange usage
• Dome Size:  gyms, large atria, and perhaps large stages are the best locations for set-up
  • One-class version: ~11-ft high, ~25-ft wide, ~20-ft deep
  • Two-plus-class version ~21-ft high, ~50-ft wide, ~40-ft deep
  • Set-up and take-down take 20-30 minutes each

• Show length:  our shows most commonly last for 30-55 minutes to accommodate 50-ish minute class periods (and student attention spans ;) ).  Show length varies depending on the topics requested and age of students (the older the students, the longer they CAN enjoy).  Please work with the contact person to coordinate show length.
  • we can also be part of science nights for 2-3 hours giving several short (~20 min) shows (if using the bigger dome, should be ~25 min)
  • generally good show lengths:
    • 5th grade and up – 45-60 minutes
    • 3rd-4th grades – 35-45 minutes
    • 1st-2nd grades – 30-40 minutes
    • Kindergarten and younger – 25-30 minutes