Community Programs
Celebrate the 100th
Anniversary of Planetariums!
La Roche University and the Introcaso Center for Lifelong Learning are proud to partner with organizations across the greater Pittsburgh region to celebrate a century of stargazing and discovery. Join us for 100 Years Under the Stars, a two-day centennial celebration taking place May 5-6 at La Roche University.
Events are subject to change. Please confirm details with partner organizations.
Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, 2025
Solar and Night Observing
Wagman Observatory | 6:30 to 11:59 p.m.
Wagman Observatory
225 Kurn Road
Tarentum, PA 15084
Please note: Activities may be limited or canceled due to weather.
Monday, May 5, 2025
Planetarium Centennial Lecture at La Roche University
Ryan Room, Zappala Campus Center | 6 to 8 p.m.
Free and open to the public! Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating a century of stargazing, science and innovation.
- Opening Remarks: Susan Button, former president of the International Planetarium Society
- Feature Presentation: "Dark Skies for Astronomy and Birds”
Presented by Diane Turnshek, Lecturer at Carnegie Mellon University and Adjunct Faculty at the University of Pittsburgh
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
PPG STEM and Planetarium Day
La Roche University | 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Middle school youth from Pittsburgh Public Schools will be introduced to STEM majors and careers through hands-on experiences and informative workshops at La Roche University.
Centennial Family Night at La Roche University
Ryan Room and Zappala Campus Center Square | 6 to 8 p.m.
Free and open to the public! An evening of discovery and exploration for families and community members.
- Mobile planetarium shows at 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
- Multiple hands-on STEM activity stations
- Educational fun for all ages
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Open House
Allegheny Observatory | 1 to 9 p.m.
Allegheny Observatory
159 Riverview Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15214
Solar observing, building tours, live stream of international events and night time observing, all in celebration of 100 years of education. Please visit Allegheny Observatory for the complete schedule.
Centennial of the Planetarium: Classic Views and Recent Discoveries
IUP Cejka Planetarium | 7 p.m.
IUP Cejka Planetarium
2nd Floor Kopchick Hall
Indiana, PA 15705
This date marks the centennial of the first planetarium opened to the public, in Munich Germany. We’ll review a few things a planetarium can show, along with recent discoveries from the Webb space telescope and Bennu asteroid sample return.
Friday, May 9, 2025
21+ Astronomy Night
Carnegie Science Center | 6 to 10 p.m.
Carnegie Science Center
One Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
On May 7, 1925, the first modern planetarium was created, setting the standard for the more than 4,000 planetariums that exist today! Celebrate 100 years of bringing the stars to Earth at Carnegie Science Center. Learn about space through science demos and dance the night away.
Saturday, May 10, 2025
SkyWatch
Carnegie Science Center, Buhl Planetarium and Observatory | 9 to 11 p.m.
Buhl Planetarium and Observatory
Carnegie Science Center
One Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Embark on an exhilarating journey across the cosmos. Discover the breathtaking mysteries that twinkle just beyond our reach with one-on-one discussions with our astronomy experts. Fabulous for astronomers of all ages and skill levels! Tickets can be purchased online up until the start of the event. No walk-up tickets available.
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Planetariums
Carnegie Science Center
Carnegie Science Center
One Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Join Carnegie Science Center for a celebration marking the centennial of planetariums. Events include the Buhl Planetarium Highlight Reel and Space Out Sunday. Please visit Carnegie Science Center for details.
For More Information
Introcaso Center for Lifelong Learning
lifelonglearning@laroche.edu
412-536-1026
Logo: © IPS
Photo: © Planetarium Mannheim / Christian Gaier