Ward Beecher Planetarium, Youngstown

About Ward Beecher Planetarium

Ward Beecher Planetarium at Youngstown State University offers immersive astronomy shows in a distinctive domed theater. Visitors sit in tiered, forward-facing classroom-style seats beneath a dome where a GOTO Chronos star projector and fulldome video system display the night sky and deep space visualizations. The planetarium uses data visualization technology to allow guests to explore the universe in real-time. Public shows run Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday afternoons, with afternoon programs geared toward families with children. School and community groups can arrange tours. The very dark theater suits older children and adults; very young children may find the darkness or sound levels challenging. Parents should use discretion about their child's readiness. The planetarium is located in Ward Beecher Science Hall on the YSU campus in Youngstown and has served the Mahoning Valley for over fifty years as both a teaching classroom and public education center.