Enjoy "A History of Planetariums" by the American Museum of Natural History, and learn about planetariums and their impact on society. 

We invite you...

Be a part of One Ball State Day on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, a 24-hour fundraising and engagement effort where you can give to the Brown Planetarium at Ball State!

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...

  helps fund student staff!

  helps expand our outreach events with new technologies and programs!

  helps expand our hands-on, minds-on, and hearts-on activity stations!

  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 all planetarium events...

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.

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 support the planetarium; including gifts to the James and Nancy Watson Planetarium Science Education Fund. This fund was set up by the late Nancy Watson to support the science educational outreach mission of the planetarium to K-12 children.

Join those who have given to the planetarium to help us expand our reach and impact to Ball State and beyond!

Stay connected with the Brown Planetarium on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!