Adrian College My Adrian Parents Alumni Development Give Today Admissions Academics Athletics Campus Life About Us Home » Campus Life » Planetarium Planetarium Overview School Group Shows The Robinson Planetarium serves the Adrian community in several ways. First, the planetarium is used for teaching Astronomy courses taught at Adrian College. Second, entertaining and educational programs are presented in the planetarium throughout the academic year. These shows are free and open to the public. Finally, special shows for school groups (K-12) can be arranged by emailing mfairclough@adrian.edu. November Schedule The Robinson Planetarium has set the following schedule for November, 2021 — The Cowboy Astronomer Friday—November 5 & 19th—7PM Have you ever imagined yourself a cattle rancher in the wild west where the canopy of stars at night seems endless? Learn about the wonders of the night sky in this fulldome show from the perspective of a cowboy astronomer as he shares facts and lore that he has accumulated from a lifetime on the ranch. The pre-recorded soundtrack for the show is narrated by cowboy humorist Baxter Black. Children’s Evenings Feature—November 12th—7PM The Earth, Sun and Moon—Grades K - 6 This fulldome show explores the relationship between the Earth, Moon and Sun with the help of Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions who has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors. His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how the Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system. Native American stories are used throughout the show to help distinguish between myths and science. Learn why the Sun rises and sets and the basics of fusion and solar energy. Examine the Moon’s orbit, craters, phases and eclipses. The show explores past and future space travel to our Moon and beyond. The Season of Light—Beginning November 26th—7PM—for all ages The Season of Light is our winter holiday show. It traces the history and development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs through an astronomical perspective, all of which involve lighting up the winter season. It recounts the religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice — not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions such as gift-giving and kissing, music, decking the halls with greenery and Santa Claus. All programs are free and open to the public. Each program lasts approximately 45 minutes. Group reservations and special showings can be arranged by contacting Planetarium Director Mark Fairclough at mfairclough@adrian.edu or 265.5161 ext. 4788. Location The Robinson Planetarium is located on the Adrian College campus in Peelle Hall. Peelle Hall is at the corner of Charles and Williams streets; the entrance to the planetarium is on Williams St. (MAP). History The Robinson Planetarium, built in 1966, features a 30 foot dome and a Spitz A-3-P star projector. The planetarium is named after Herbert Robinson a distinguished industrialist, who provided funds for the construction of the facility. In 2012, renovations funded with generous gifts from the Maurice and Dorothy Stubnitz Foundation gave the planetarium a bold new look and Fulldome capabilities. DIRECTORY FILES & LINKS Mark Fairclough Director, Robinson Planetarium Also of Interest Adrian College Teacher EducationSchool Group ShowsDawson Auditorium Campus Address 110 S Madison St. Adrian, Michigan 49221 Admissions (800) 877-2246 Switchboard (517) 265-5161 Copyright © 2021 Adrian College Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Feedback Copyright Old Site My Adrian