About the Planetarium
The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium is NH's living memorial to this inspiring teacher.
While Christa McAuliffe's mission on board the Space Shuttle Challenger ended tragically, her vision inspires visitors to the Planetarium to learn about the universe in which we live. Since its' opening on June 21, 1990, more than half a million guests -- including over 200,000 schoolchildren on field trips -- have visited this astronomy and space science center.
Using state-of-the-art equipment, the staff, volunteers, and private contractors create shows for people of all ages to explore the universe in the comfort of a 92-seat theater. The Planetarium has exhibits on the space shuttle, the International Space Station, Arabic astronomy, the Hubble Space Telescope, sundials, stars and planets.
Over 2000 teachers have participated in the Planetarium workshops, offering entertaining and effective ways to bring astronomy and space science into the classroom. Planetarium staff visit schools, clubs, and other venues to share the latest astronomical information. On the first Friday of the month, NH Astronomical Society volunteers set up telescopes on the Planetarium lawn for viewing of planets and constellations, followed by an astronomy lecture.
Christa McAuliffe Planetarium
Imagine getting a phone call from astronaut Rick Linnehan, and hearing that you've been selected to attend U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. That's what happened for two students chosen for Space Camp and funded by the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium. When it comes to inspiring future scientists, the Planetarium staff gets very creative.
At the planetarium you can try your hand at landing the space shuttle, looking through a telescope at the rings of Saturn, or studying the sunspots on our very own star.
New Hampshire's Space Grant supports the development of shows and exhibits at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium, with emphasis on the Sun and its relationship to Earth and the Solar System. Space scientists at UNH and Dartmouth work with planetarium staff to produce timely, accurate material. Utilizing ties with the NHSGC and NASA, the planetarium produced “Breathing Space,” a multimedia show about the sun and it's relationship to earth.
The New Hampshire Science Curriculum Framework for grades
K-12 focuses strongly on the solar system, the Earth-Sun
relationship, and the sun's nature as a star. Planetarium staff
work with college and university faculty to create components that meet these requirements and augment
school curriculum.
Exhibists are geared to a variety of learning styles: manipulative objects for toddlers to explore, satellite models for elementary school children to take apart and reassemble, detailed exhibits for older learners, and touch screen computer programs for all age groups. On any given day, a visitor might be treated to a show like "The Incredible Vacuum of Space," or "The Comet Show." UNH staff occasionally offer lectures to planetarium audiences.
The planetarium "Starhop" van makes visits to
schools, clubs, and other children's venues to present shows on space science. Their Summer Space Adventure Camp provides weekday science activities
for school-age children.
The Planetarium
partners with New Hampshire businesses to bring these exhibits and
programs to New Hampshire. The focus on
young people, science, and technology education have
a broad appeal in bringing corporations on board as Planetarium
supporters.