Reinvigorate your fascination with the night sky
Gain a better understanding of the relative size and movements of the countless heavenly bodies that make up the Universe at Marietta College's Anderson Hancock Planetarium.
A planetarium is a theatre of the Universe, where you are surrounded with an accurate image of the sparkling night sky. It can provide a 360-degree journey that brings celestial events to life for students and visitors alike. Watch the motions and cycles of the sky or be immersed in a multi-media experience with slides, video, visual effects, computer animations, narration, and music that reveal the wonders of the cosmos.
More than just an educational center for Marietta College students, Anderson Hancock Planetarium offers frequent programs open to the public, often at no charge, so community members and visitors may experience the wonders of the universe.
Located at the corner of Fourth and Butler streets, the 4,400-square-foot planetarium adjoins the Rickey Science Center. The facility is handicapped accessible and includes theater-style seating for 102 people.
Named after Professor Emeriti Dr. Les Anderson '55 and Dr. Whit Hancock, the planetarium has a hybrid projection system combining an optical-mechanical star projector with a powerful full-dome digital video projector. Marietta College is one of a handful of planetariums in the country to feature the Goto Chronos hybrid system, which can replicate the night sky from thousands of years in the past to thousands of years in the future from countless vantage points in the Universe.
The lobby features quiet study areas and current science programming from NASA's ViewSpace data/video feed and is open daily for those who want to view the displays.
The Planetarium was recently featured on "Out N About Columbus" - it was a Stellar Experience!
Hours of Operation
The lobby area of the planetarium is open during normal weekday business hours (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
The public is welcomed to view the lobby displays and NASA programming.
Monthly public shows are offered at varying times and dates--see the link above to Planetarium Events for the upcoming schedule.
Public shows are free, though donations to help pay for future programming will be accepted. Seating for public shows is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required.
School and youth groups can schedule special viewing times by contacting the planetarium
Contact
To schedule a special viewing for a community group, please send an email to planetarium@marietta.edu (preferred) or leave a message at 740.376.4827. Please include your name and contact information, along with details about your group that may be helpful for scheduling. You will receive a confirmation via email or telephone. Special viewing times are encouraged for groups of 20 or more.
Mailing Address:
215 Fifth Street
Marietta, OH 45750 USA
Driving Directions
ADDRESS:
215 Fifth Street (Corner of 4th & Butler streets)
Marietta, OH 45750 USA
Latitude: 39°24'56" N - Longitude: 81°27'00" O
GOOGLE MAPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PZt2WwZAhnWFkcoR6
Traveling east to Marietta, take Interstate 70-East to Interstate 77-South to Marietta's Exit 1. At Exit 1, turn right onto ramp, which will be Ohio 7 (Pike Street). Remain on Pike Street until turning right onto Fourth Street. Take the first right onto Butler Street. Parking will be immediately on your right in the lot adjacent to Hermann Fine Arts Center.
Traveling north or south to Marietta, take Interstate 77 toward Marietta to Exit 1. At Exit 1, turn right onto ramp, which will be Ohio 7 (Pike Street). Remain on Pike Street until turning right onto Fourth Street. Take the first right onto Butler Street. Parking will be immediately on your right in the lot adjacent to Hermann Fine Arts Center.
Traveling west to Marietta, take Interstate 68 West to Interstate 79 South to U.S. 40 West to Interstate 77 North. Take Exit 1 and turn right onto ramp, which will be Ohio 7 (Pike Street). Remain on Pike Street until turning right onto Fourth Street. Take the first right onto Butler Street. Parking will be immediately on your right in the lot adjacent to Hermann Fine Arts Center.
Volunteer at the Anderson Hancock Planetarium
Marietta College students can learn how to operate the planetarium and how to program shows by completing the semester-long Planetarium Seminar, which offers one credit hour towards a minor in astronomy. Completion of the seminar allows the student to volunteer at the planetarium.
Community members are also welcome to volunteer during public shows. Contact the planetarium if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.