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What is the Planetarium?
The Gary E. Sampson Planetarium is a state-of-the-art facility specifically designed for the study of astronomy. Installed when the high school was built, the planetarium was updated in 2005 to include advanced automation and multimedia capabilities. It is a field trip destination and a "lab" classroom for the Advanced Astronomy course at West High School.
Who Can Use the Planetarium?
We offer programs for students in preschool through senior high school, as well as programs for scouts and other youth groups, as well as adults. The minimum group size is 10 persons, and the planetarium seats up to 60 guests. We are fully accessible for guests with limited mobility.
What Programs Are Available?
We have shows appropriate for ages 3 and up. Click HERE for a table of show titles, with brief descriptions. For teachers planning a field trip, the Wisconsin State Academic Standards addressed by each program are also available. All of our programs last approximately 1 hour, and include a tour of the current night sky.
Available Show Times and Dates
- We are only open during the regular school year (Early September through Early June).
- We have two daily show times available for field trip visits: 9:30 - 10:30 am and 1:00 - 2:00 PM. Click HERE to see a calendar with available show times and dates, and to reserve a program for your group.
- Need an Evening Show? Call 773-3183, and leave a detailed message, including the preferred show and approximate ages of the group members. The planetarium director will return your call as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We schedule evening programs Monday through Thursday.
How Much Does a Private Show Cost?
Current fees for shows are $2.00 per person. For school field trips, chaperones are free. For private after school or evening shows the rate is $2.00 per person. For groups of 25 or fewer guests, we have a minimum fee of $50.00. Fees are payable at the time of the show, by cash or check, made out to Wauwatosa West High School.
How Many Guests Can You Accommodate?
We have 55 fixed seats, and can add a few chairs, if needed. We also have spaces for 2 wheelchairs.
Are You Open for the General Public?
Public Show programs will be offered starting in November, 2009. Shows last approximately 1 hour, and always include a tour of the current night sky. There is no admission charge, but donations to support continued public show programming are thankfully accepted. Reservations are strongly encouraged, but walk-in guests will be seated on a first-come first-served basis as space allows. Reservations may be made by calling the reservation hotline at 414-773-3390. Calls are only returned if there is a problem with your reservation request. When you call, be prepared to give the date of the requested program, your name, a phone number where you can be reached, and the number of seats requested. If you are a group leader, only groups of 10 or fewer guests will be scheduled. Groups larger than 10 are requested to schedule a private evening show. Click HERE for the current public show schedule.
Why Visit the Planetarium?
- Because it is awesome! See the night sky the way it was before light pollution erased most of the stars from view.
- Because it will help you better understand what you are reading and seeing about astronomy and space science.
- Because it is a unique educational and entertaining experience.
Where Are You Located?
The Gary E. Sampson Planetarium is at Wauwatosa West High School, 11400 West Center St., Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Click HERE for a MAP and directions.
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