About the planetarium
The Fred G. Dale Planetarium houses the most technologically advanced and educationally versatile planetarium in the State of Nebraska with a Spitz SciDome high-definition projection system that puts 3 million pixels on the 30-foot dome, can show 500 million stars, can look at space from any location in the Solar System, can move backward and forward through time 100,000 years, and much more! Our fulldome shows take advantage of this technology by creating a fully immersive experience where you can learn about the stars, the planets, the Moon, and even the Sistine Chapel.
The planetarium supports the science curriculum on campus. In addition to serving WSC students, the Planetarium is also available to the community through special programs offered to schools and organizations, and regularly scheduled shows are offered to the general public.
For more information, contact the planetarium director:
Dr. Todd Young
Professor of Physics and Astronomy
[email protected]
402-375-7471
Planetarium services
General information about planetarium shows: Doors open 20 minutes prior to the start of a show. Planetarium shows generally include a tour of the current night sky, a view of the constellations, and a fulldome video. All shows last about 45 minutes.
Suggested donation for planetarium shows: $5 for adults and $3 for kids. All donations go towards the purchase of new full dome videos, hardware and software upgrades, and other items that will increase the educational and entertainment experience of the planetarium. Donations can be made out to WSC Planetarium and sent to: Fred G. Dale Planetarium, Carhart Science Building, Wayne State College, Wayne, NE 68787. All donations are appreciated!
Planetarium location: The Planetarium is located in the lowest level of the Carhart Science Building on the Wayne State College campus. Enter Carhart Science through the southwest doors. Once inside, go to the stairs at the south end of the building (to your right) and go down to the lowest level. You may also take the elevator. Carhart Science and the planetarium are handicap accessible.
Parking: For public showings, parking is available at all lots. Please do not park in the 15-minute or handicap spots without appropriate permission. For a private group showing during a weekday, you may park in the visitor parking spots, Lot 10, or at a nearby location just off campus. All locations are at most a 10-minute walk to Carhart Science. Buses may drop off and pick up groups in the loading zone on the west side of Carhart, but during the show, please park in Lot 4.
A wide selection of astronomy shows and lessons are available for all ages and learning levels. A private showing can consist of a fulldome show and a science mini-lesson, or just a full science lesson. Teachers can book a private showing for their class, and educator guides for some shows and lessons are available upon request. Showings generally last about 45 minutes but can be tailored to your needs (minimum 20 minutes; maximum 90 minutes). For private shows, we ask for a minimum of 10 people. To book a private showing for your school, organization or group, please contact the Planetarium Director, Dr. Todd Young at [email protected].
For educators: Feel free to contact planetarium director Dr. Todd Young before your visit if you would like to receive any pre- and post-study materials for your students. Many of the planetarium shows have such materials, and if they don't, the planetarium is happy to work with you to design something!
Suggested donation for planetarium shows: $5 for adults and $3 for kids
The planetarium offers virtual reality experiences through an Oculus VR system, so you can experience incredibly immersive experiences firsthand. The experience is free with a suggested donation of $5 per half hour. All donations are appreciated. It is recommended that you bring your own pair of 3.5mm earbuds, but it’s not required.
Several programs are available for educational topics, including: construction and engineering, travel, history, art, physics, geography, chemistry, government, teaching and education, human anatomy, astronomy, relaxation and mindfulness, cultural awareness, and sexual assault awareness. There are also entertainment programs that include mazes, flying, roller coasters, funhouses, and escape rooms!
The Star Party is a Service-Learning project conducted by students in the Honors Program astronomy class. Led by Dr. Todd Young, WSC students annually host the Star Party at Ike’s Lake in Wayne for the campus and community. Individuals in attendance learn about the night sky through interactive exercises and crafts developed by the students. Refreshments are served, and it’s an excellent opportunity to spend time together viewing the stars.
How would you like an intimate wedding under the stars without the threat of bad weather? Now you can in the Fred G. Dale Planetarium at Wayne State College! Or perhaps you’d prefer under a large full Moon, or at sunset on a Nebraska prairie, or in the middle of Stonehenge, or even on the Moon (talk about a destination wedding!).
All kinds of scenic options are available at the planetarium with our high-definition projection system that puts 3 million pixels on a 30-foot dome, can show 500 million stars, can look at space from any location in the Solar System, can move backward and forward through time 100,000 years, and much more! The planetarium also has a professional sound system, 50 comfortable seats, a stage, and many decorative options within the planetarium and lobby. Let the Fred G. Dale Planetarium help you make your “cosmic connection” a reality!
Schedule a Visit or Book Your Wedding
To schedule a visit to the planetarium to see if it will work for you, or to book your wedding, contact Dr. Todd Young at [email protected].
Rental Costs
The rental cost for your wedding in the planetarium is $225. This includes:
- two hours of preparations (decorations, graphical art/picture set-up, etc.) a day or two prior to the wedding day ($100)
- three hours for the ceremony and decoration/technological teardown afterward ($125)
