Department Chair

Dr. Debi Prasad Choudhary


Live Oak Hall, Room 1128
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8268

Phone: (818) 677-2775

Send email

Hours: M-F 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Planetarium

Photo of building named Donald E. Bianchi Planetarium

DONALD E. BIANCHI PLANETARIUM

Planetarium From Outside located on the CSUN campus within the complex of Science Buildings, adjacent to the building formerly known as Science Building 3, now Citrus Hall, the Donald E. Bianchi Planetarium (shown in the accompanying photo) provides bi-weekly star shows and other programs not only for CSUN students but also for the many communities of the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas.

Object that allows people to view astronomy topics

All shows are FREE!

We are thrilled to announce the GRAND REOPENING of the Donald E Bianchi Planetarium and the return of Friday Night Star Shows, beginning February 9th, 2024. Come celebrate with us!

 

 

For show information: call 818.677.2775

Important Information:

  • Seats are limited to 100 per show. Entry is on a first-come first-served basis.
  • There are no advance tickets for the free shows.
  • Recommended for Ages 8+.
  • Doors open 15 minutes before the show.
  • As the planetarium must remain dark for the show, there is no late entry.

Show schedule:

  • No shows until further notice

Join us as we tour the night sky from under our 40-foot planetarium dome. Hear star stories that have been shared through the generations. Learn about the science of the stars and planets. Located on CSUN campus, the Donald E Bianchi Planetarium provides a stellar astronomy experience available to all the communities of the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

ADMISSION

NO SHOWS THIS SUMMER. THE PLANETARIUM IS CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE.

Entry is on a first come first serve basis at the door - there are no advance tickets. Seats are not guaranteed. Doors open 15 minutes before the show.

 

PARKING & DIRECTIONS

Parking is enforced 24/7 everywhere on campus. All parking lots have parking permit dispensers and/or an attendant booth. Purchase your parking permit and follow all posted parking instructions before you walk over to the Planetarium. Parking rates can be found at CSUN Visitor Parking Info. We recommend using Lot G3, accessed from Zelzah Avenue and Prairie Street. The Bianchi Planetarium is located along the Matador Walk on the east side of the University Library Lawn. The planetarium can be found on the following map.

Campus Map and Directions

PRIVATE SHOWS AND RENTALS

THE PLANETARIUM IS UNDER MAINTENANCE AND WE WILL NOT BE HOSTING ANY PRIVATE SHOWS

The Bianchi Planetarium is available for private shows outside of the regularly scheduled programming. Additionally it is available to be rented for private events or filming. If you or your school/company/organization are interested in a private show or rental contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy by any of the methods below.

ABOUT THE BIANCHI PLANETARIUM

The Donald E. Bianchi Planetarium is operated by CSUN's Department of Physics and Astronomy. It is named after the founding dean of our College of Science and Mathematics, who was instrumental in obtaining the funds for Science Buildings III and IV and the Planetarium. The late Dr. Adrian Herzog was the first planetarium director, and the design concept is his. With the support of Dean Edward J. Carroll, Jr., the planetarium began offering regularly scheduled public shows for the first time in 2002. At the heart of our 100-seat star theater lies the Spitz-512 Star Projector, capable of recreating the night sky on our 40-foot dome with accuracy and brilliance. Over 2,000 stars, the five visible planets, and all of the apparent motions of the sky come alive overhead in a unique and relaxing environment. The Bianchi Planetarium is also equipped to support large format image projection and captivating digital sound. After a few years without shows following the global pandemic we are excited to welcome the public back into our planetarium with the return of the Star Shows in February 2024.

CONTACT US

The Bianchi Planetarium is run by the CSUN Department of Physics and astronomy. For any inquiries reach out via email or phone:
planetarium@csun.edu
physics@csun.edu
818-677-2775

ADDITIONAL LINKS


General Astronomy
www.universetoday.com
An excellent site with exciting information on the space sciences. www.badastronomy.com The brain child of Dr. Phil Plait, "The Bad Astronomer." This site dispells the myths and rumors that flood the sciences. 

www.space.com
www.astronomy.com
Everything current in the space sciences www.jpl.nasa.gov JPL's site containing information on current NASA missions and much more.

Other Planetaria
Drescher Planetarium, Santa Monica, CA
www.smc.edu/planetarium

Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, CA
www.griffithobservatory.org

Department Chair

Dr. Debi Prasad Choudhary


Live Oak Hall, Room 1128
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8268

Phone: (818) 677-2775

Send email

Hours: M-F 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

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