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Hartnell College Planetarium: Journey Through the Cosmos

Explore the universe at Hartnell College Planetarium in Salinas, CA. Educational shows, workshops, and cosmic wonders await!

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The Hartnell College Planetarium in Salinas, California, offers captivating shows for all ages, transporting audiences through the cosmos with its impressive dome and cutting-edge projection technology. Established in 1962, it's the only planetarium in Monterey County.

A brief summary to Hartnell College Planetarium

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the planetarium's schedule in advance to catch special presentations and events.
  • Arrive early to secure the best seating for shows.
  • Consider bringing children to family-friendly shows for an educational outing.
  • Take advantage of any workshops for a hands-on experience with astronomy.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Hartnell College main campus, the planetarium is located in Building S, easily accessible by foot. Consult campus maps for the most direct route from other buildings. The planetarium is located at 411 Central Ave, Salinas, CA 93901.

  • Public Transport

    Salinas Transit bus lines serve Hartnell College. Check Salinas Transit schedules for routes and times. From the bus stop, walk to Building S on the main campus. Single ride fares are typically around $2.00.

  • Driving

    When driving to the Hartnell College Planetarium, use the address 411 Central Ave, Salinas, CA 93901. Parking is available in the Hartnell College parking structure off Central Avenue. Parking costs $2 per day. Consider that parking is enforced Monday through Saturday.

Unlock the Best of Hartnell College Planetarium

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Discover more about Hartnell College Planetarium

Venture into the J. Frederic Ching Planetarium at Hartnell College, where the wonders of astronomy and space science come to life. Since 1962, this planetarium has been enchanting audiences with its immersive shows and educational programs. A renovated and updated facility, it reopened in 2005, ushering in a new digital era with the Konica Minolta Mediaglobe digital projection system. Located in Salinas, California, the Hartnell College Planetarium is the only planetarium in Monterey County. It hosts thousands of visiting elementary school students from the surrounding area each year and supports instruction in college-level astronomy classes, also offering regular shows to the public. Visitors can explore the night sky and its countless stars across a thirty-foot diameter dome. Modern immersive imagery can transport planetarium visitors through space and into many other astonishing virtual worlds of scientific discovery. The planetarium frequently hosts workshops and interactive sessions where visitors can get hands-on experience with astronomy tools, further enhancing the learning experience. Special events and themed presentations often highlight different aspects of space exploration, making it a dynamic venue that evolves with new findings in the field.

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