ASU Planetarium Turns 40 — Free Shows, Hands‑On STEM and a Rare 50‑ft Tilted Dome

ASU Planetarium Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Free Shows and STEM Activities

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Angelo State University invites the public to celebrate the ASU Planetarium’s 40th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held in the Vincent Building at 2333 Vanderventer Ave.

The Planetarium opened its doors to the public with a Halley’s Comet program on Dec. 15, 1985, and now draws an estimated 8,000–10,000 visitors annually. Dr. Mark Sonntag served as the facility’s inaugural director from 1985 until his 2016 retirement; Dr. Kenneth Carrell became director in 2016.

Attendees can expect:

• Free planetarium shows throughout the afternoon
• Hands‑on STEM activities hosted by campus departments, student organizations and community partners
• A panel discussion featuring founding director Dr. Mark Sonntag and faculty who helped establish the Planetarium in 1985

The Planetarium underwent a major renovation in 2010 funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. The upgraded facility features a 50‑foot tilted dome screen — one of only eight in the world — a Sci‑Dome HD digital projector, Starry Night software, Dolby surround sound and seating for 120. The center offers more than 40 multimedia shows covering astronomy, climate, nature, history and seasonal topics.

The Planetarium lobby will be active as well, with a GeoDome Globe HD projection system, Google Earth demonstrations, a plate from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, museum displays and flat‑screen TVs showing NASA programming. According to ASU, "all Planetarium features and attractions will be demonstrated and in use for the 40th anniversary celebration."

Visitors of all ages are welcome. For more information and the latest updates, check Angelo State University or the Vincent Building event postings.