VISITING US

Due to a fire, THE PLANETARIUM IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. 
Programming updates will be posted here or on our Facebook page.

Public shows are typically scheduled September through
May. All public programs at the Ward Beecher Planetarium
are FREE and open to the public. Reservations are
not required. See our Public Schedule for information on
upcoming shows.

More information is available by calling the Planetarium's
Info Line at (330) 941-1370 or the Department of
Physics & Astronomy at (330) 941-3616 from 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. on weekdays. 

NOTE: Because it is dark in the Planetarium (and it's not
safe to navigate the steps in the dark), latecomers
CANNOT be admitted.

Children are always welcome. However, the very dark room may be a problem for some little ones. In addition, sound travels VERY well in the room. Parents are asked to use their discretion when attending the shows.

Most Saturday afternoons are family matinee times. These 2:00pm programs are geared toward families with children. See the Public Schedule for suggested age suitability.

Directions

The Ward Beecher Planetarium is located in Ward Beecher Science Hall on Lincoln Avenue, just west of Wick Avenue. For interactive directions, click here.

About Parking

Parking during the weekday at YSU is always a gamble. If you need to park, the best bet is the Wick Avenue parking deck (M-1). There is a charge - $5.00 - but there normally is space available. Find out more at Parking Services.

For our weekend public programs, plenty of parking normally is available on Lincoln Avenue. Street parking is free after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

Field Trips

Regretfully, effective 9/1/2022, we are unable to schedule group or school field trips due to staffing issues.  Please check back in early 2023.

Summer programs for camps and other groups are available through the end of July. August is traditionally our maintenance month and groups are not scheduled.