The Boyertown Planetarium offers your class a superb way of supplementing your school curriculum.  We can run star programs on any level from pre-school through adult, and tailored specifically to your group.  In addition, a variety of programs covering many disciplines provides an almost endless array of possibilities.  All planetarium programs are presented in a live, fun, educational format.  We hope that the Boyertown Planetarium can become part of your cosmos in the coming years.

Location:

The planetarium is located at the Junior High East Center on Route 73 near Gilbertsville, PA. The entrance of the Planetarium is located inside the back entrance of the building.

Custom Programs:

We can custom design a program tailored specifically for your group on a wide range of subjects. The following is only a small list of the many possibilities:
Animal Migration
Constellations
Comets & Meteors
Day & Night
Egyptian Mythology
Greek Mythology
Indian Mythology
Planets: Gustav Holst
Sensory Writing
Solar System
Space Shuttle
Space Telescope
Stonehenge
Sun/Earth/Moon
Tonight's Sky

Click here for the regular Elementary Moon Map. 

Click here for a blank copy of the Elementary Moon Map.

Code of Conduct:
Please review the following rules with your students prior to their visit.

No candy, gum, or any food items allowed.
All sharp objects (pencils, pens, combs, etc.) must be removed from back pockets.
No talking during the program.
Stay in line and wait for the Director to seat you.

Scheduling a Program:
Contact the planetarium director  by phone at 610-473-3906 or e-mail Mr. Detterline.    Provide the following information: type of program, grade level, date, time, and phone number or e-mail.

Admission is $1.50 for adults and $1 for students and children. Fee is payable at the time of the presentation by cash or check. Please make checks payable to the "Boyertown Area School District."

Star programs are held in the planetarium and are presented in a live format utilizing the planetariums special effects. Some programs incorporate live satellite feeds from actual space missions.

Starwatches incorporate a brief planetarium program on the night sky, and then if weather permits an outside session to view the sky using the planetariums telescopes. In case of inclement weather, an extended planetarium show will be held. Participants are asked to dress appropriately for the weather.

I hope to see you under the stars of Boyertown!

Peter Detterline, director

2008-2009 Schedule

SEPTEMBER - sky calendar and star map
Sep. 22 @ 7 PM Phoenix Rises
The Phoenix spacecraft landed on Mars to search for the history of water. This
program goes over those findings, the next steps for Mars exploration, and the
possibilities of life on the red planet.

OCTOBER - sky calendar and star map
Oct. 3 @ 8 PM Starwatch
Oct. 27 @ 7 PM Halloween Magic
A haunting look at the mysteries of Halloween and how they relate to the night
sky. An evening for the whole family complete with skits, stories and the special
effects of the planetarium.

NOVEMBER - sky calendar and star map
Nov. 7 @ 7 PM Starwatch
Nov. 17 @ 7 PM November Nights
A look at the astronomy of the Native Americans. The program is filled with
stories, music and special effects.\

DECEMBER - sky calendar and star map
Dec. 5 @ 7 PM Starwatch
Dec. 10 & 15 @ 7 PM Star of Bethlehem
This program concentrates on the mystery surrounding this famous astronomical
event. It is a mixture of factual information, astronomical insight, music, stories,
and traditions.

JANUARY - sky calendar and star map
Jan. 9 @ 7 PM Starwatch
Jan. 23 & 26 @ 7 PM The Planets
One of our most popular programs. We take a close look at each of the eight
planets in our solar system incorporating all of the latest space probe pictures
from NASA. A special part of the program will be devoted to Pluto- the dwarf
planet, as well as the other dwarf planets that lie beyond Neptune.

FEBRUARY - sky calendar and star map
Feb. 6 @ 7 PM Starwatch
Feb. 23 @ 7 PM Saturnian Adventure
Get ready for some spectacular views as the planet Saturn makes its closest
approach to Earth for the year. This program looks at the planet, the Cassini
space probe that is orbiting the ringed world, and how to make the most of this
special viewing opportunity. A starwatch to see Saturn follows the program if
weather permits.

MARCH - sky calendar and star map
Mar. 6 @7 PM Starwatch
Mar. 23 @ 7 PM The Stars of Spring
Celebrate the beginning of Spring with an evening of story-telling at the
planetarium. The mythology of the constellations will be portrayed along with
some of the many wonders of the night sky.

APRIL- sky calendar and star map
Apr 27 @ 7 PM Alien Life
What are the possibilities of life in our solar system and in our galaxy? This
program looks at the latest information regarding the existence of life outside of
Earth, and what life may look like on other worlds

Planetarium seats 75 people