Enjoy "A History of Planetariums" by the American Museum of Natural History, and learn about planetariums and their impact on society.
A Message To Our Community Regarding COVID-19 from the Brown Planetarium Staff…
We understand the many concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) across our communities and recognize that these are hard times for many. As we monitor the situation closely, we endeavor to do our part in what is best for the safety and wellbeing of our community. Although we are closed to the public until further notice, our staff and students are working hard to bring you astronomy news and education through our Facebook page. We are also working on creating new planetarium programs and experiences to have ready for you when we are open again.
There is no doubt that these are unprecedented times, but we Cardinals can rise together and we will come out stronger. We are so very thankful to those who are able to help us at this time.
Please stay safe and well – we hope to see you soon.
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We invite you...
Be a part of One Ball State Day on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, a 24-hour fundraising and engagement effort where you can give to the Brown Planetarium at Ball State!
We hope that you join all of us at the Brown Planetarium in our mission to encourage scientific literacy and advancement through inspiring educational programming, innovative research, and service to our community.
Can't wait to give? Give today.
Together, we can make an impact...
Your contribution to the planetarium directly impacts Ball State students and the Muncie community by supporting and advancing our free programs and outreach events. Open for free educational public programs and group tours, our Brown Planetarium reflects Ball State University’s commitment to service through educational engagement with our community.
Your contribution...
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helps fund student staff!
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helps expand our outreach events with new technologies and programs!
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helps expand our hands-on, minds-on, and hearts-on activity stations!
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helps the Brown Planetarium continue to encourage scientific literacy and advancement through inspiring educational programming, innovative research, and service to our community.
Ball State students contribute to every planetarium event...
Did you know that the Brown Planetarium is part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Ball State? Students from our department work in the planetarium and share their knowledge and passion for the universe with visitors.
One of our students, Melanie Isenbarger, has been working in the planetarium since Spring 2018 and says: "I fell in love with astronomy after I took an astronomy class in high school. We had the privilege of meeting in the planetarium next door for class and it was then that I decided that I would continue to study astronomy. After learning about the Brown Planetarium here at Ball State, I knew I wanted to be a part of the team and I couldn't be more excited to do so! I hope to help feed people's curiosity about space and encourage more girls to follow that into STEM careers!"
Who visits...
Over 22,000 people enjoy the planetarium each year and we see over 9,000 school kids! All planetarium events are free and open to the public.
Our namesake...
Charles W. Brown (second from the left, back row) and his family.
The Charles W. Brown Planetarium is named for businessman and philanthropist Charlie Brown, BA '71, whose passion for science was rekindled by the planetarium project. Mr. Brown and his wife, Dr. Louise Tetrick, hope the planetarium provides an incredible resource for the community, especially youth, as well as university students. Their goal is to make a difference in kids’ lives, as they believe that is where we can all be the most impactful.
We are continuously inspired and humbled by those who continue to give to the planetarium, including Nancy Watson who gifted us the James and Nancy Watson Planetarium Science Education Fund.
We invite you to join those who have given to the planetarium to help us expand our reach and impact to Ball State and beyond!
