Astronomy

Planetarium

"The Sky Tonight" Planetarium Show
Professor Stanford presents the night sky.

Next show: Friday February 10, 7:30 and 8:20 PM
Shows begin on time, doors lock at show time.

Details: Free tickets available for all shows, on a first come basis. 96 seats per show. Children 5 yrs. and older. No reservations, holding seats, food, or drinks in the planetarium.

SMCAS
San Mateo County Astronomical Society holds their monthly meeting in CSM's planetarium, beginning at 7:30 pm. The general public is invited to this FREE event. For more information call Ed Pieret at 650-862-9602 or visit SMCAS website.
The next SMCAS meeting is Friday, February 3.
February SMCAS meeting and speaker in CSM Theatre
Dr. Geoff Marcy: "The Hunt for Another Earth"

Planetarium System
CSM has re-established America's first hybrid planetarium and the world's 1st GOTO-CHRONOS HYBRID planetarium. The system will consist of the GOTO CHRONOS opto-mechanical space simulator from GOTO Optical Mfg. Co., and dual Digistar3 SP2 HD projectors from Evans & Sutherland.

The Chronos shows over 8000 stars to 6th magnitude, 26 deep sky objects, and the Milky Way. The D3 projectors, in conjunction with our Spitz ATM4 Theatre Automation System, presents all-dome, surround sound videos, planet fly-bys, Messier objects, and more!

Project Star Gaze

We're proud to continue our popular "Project Star Gaze" program for kids and teachers, in the planetarium. These shows give school children an exciting introduction to astronomy. Designed primarily for kindergarten through 5th graders, "Project Star Gaze" at College of San Mateo, offers children and their teachers experience with "real" science during free field trips to the planetarium. Our astronomy faculty tailor the workshops to each age group. CSM's planetarium has served thousands of students and visitors since 1963.

Our facility is equipped with dual Evan & Sutherland Digistar 3 SP2 HD projectors and GOTO Chronos opto-mechanical space simulator. The planetarium seats 97 visitors. "Project Star Gaze provides an exciting venue for students to be introduced to scientific methodology and its application to everyday life. Each session includes a planetarium star show, plus demonstrations of solar system basics and spectroscopy.

Recent studies recommend that elementary school children be exposed to dynamic, hands-on experiences with science. Early in their education, they need an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of science and the scientific method. This program also exposes elementary school children to a college environment, helping to encourage lifelong learning and kindle an early interest in pursuing higher education. "Project Star Gaze" also represents CSM's commitment to its community. Partners providing a variety of critial project resources include: The San Mateo County Community College Foundation, and the San Mateo County Astronomical Society, which meets monthly in the planetarium.

To schedule a free field trip, contact Professor Mohsen Janatpour at janatpour@smccd.edu or call (650) 574-6272.