Rauch Planetarium keeps eyes on the skies
Tour the universe without ever leaving Louisville at the Rauch Planetarium.
Located on the University of Louisville's main Belknap campus, the Rauch Planetarium has been delighting schoolchildren and adults alike with shows on the planets, stellar constellations and other astronomical wonders. One show, "Skies over Louisville," changes seasonal to reflect what stars and planets are currently hovering in the night skies above the Derby City, giving details for amateur astronomers. Each session allows audience members to ask questions.
In addition to standard astronomical fare, the Rauch Planetarium also presents a nightime laser light show. This spectacular audio-visual experience pairs your favorite pop and rock songs and albums in surround sound with lovely patterns and colors on the dome. The laser concerts change monthly.
Need daytime entertainment? There's a family-friendly version on Saturday afternoons.
You can check the Events webpage for a schedule of shows or use the Interactive Calendar. The Rauch Planetarium's public hours are Friday, 8 p.m. to midnight (last show begins at 11 p.m.), and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last show begins at 1 p.m.). However, groups can come at other times during weekdays, at night and on weekends after making reservations by calling (502) 852-6665 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tickets for ages 13 to 60 are $7 for a single, $13 for a two-show ticket and $19 for a three-show ticket. Tickets for those 12 and younger, 60 and older or University of Louisville/Metroversity students are $5 for a single, $9 for a two-show ticket and $13 for a three-show ticket. Special rates available for field trips.
Because the music in the laser programs may be too loud for young children, Planetarium programs aren't recommended for children younger than 3.
There are special programs for Girl Scouts.
The Rauch Planetarium is a favorite destination for field trips. Teachers can book a field trip by calling (502) 852-6665 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The planetarium also has some online resources for teachers — including a free star map, a two-page guide that's updated every month. That evening sky map can be downloaded and printed to use at home or in class. Tickets are $4 apiece for field trips, with one free chaperone per 10 children.
You can park in in the lot between the Business and Music Schools as well as in the lot next to the Red Barn after 7 p.m. weeknights and on weekends. During the week, however, you can park at the J.B. Speed Art Museum garage, which is just west of the Rauch Planetarium. Parking in the garage costs $1.50 per hour up to $6.
Both the Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium are available for rental for children's birthday parties, weddings, meetings or corporate events. Check online for details and prices.
- by Ivonne Rovira, Louisville Reporter for HelloMetro
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