Planetarium Parking During Construction of Adjacent Building

Free Parking for planetarium shows is available in parking lots across Grace Street from Miller Hall, where the John C. Wells Planetarium is located. Both lots, N5 and N6, can be accessed from East Grace Street. The N6 lot also can be accessed from Mason Street, across from the old Rockingham Memorial Hospital emergency room entrance.

Planetarium Parking Map (Check mark on map indicates planetarium entrance.)

One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure

Follow Sesame Street's Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from Zhima Jie, the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. (27 minutes)

FREE, 2:30 p.m. Saturday

Universe

An historical look at how we have envisioned the universe though the ages. We visit some of the ancient sites where our ancestors erected great structures with special astronomical significance. Finally we look at the universe through the eyes of today's science and space explorers to build up a spectacular overview of the heavens. (20 minutes)

FREE, 3:30 p.m. Saturday

Taking Astronomy to the Market

During the JMU school year, the last Saturday of each month, weather permitting, at the Harrisonburg Farmer's Market. JMU Physics and Astronomy staff will be on hand at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market to answer questions about the universe, assist with telescopes and provide other activities.

You can always ask questions about astronomy at the Astronomy at the Market Facebook site.

Free Shows For The Public on Saturdays

The Wells Planetarium offers free shows for the public on Saturdays during the fall and spring semesters at 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Seating begins 10 minutes before showtime on a first-come, first-seated basis. The first show is geared toward families with young children while the second show appeals to older children and adults.

Each show is followed by a 25-minute "star talk" that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible.

School Groups

For information and to make reservations for school groups, send e-mails to planetarium@jmu.edu.