Did you know that you can take a “virtual” walk on the moon, manipulate augmented reality tools on the International Space Station, and gaze into a black hole, all from the beautiful state of South Carolina? There are five SC planetariums offering exceptional programming in 2024, and we're highlighting some of their best features below. Planetariums in South Carolina are great date night ideas, rainy day activities, and things to do with friends and family in town, especially if you live near these five SC planetariums.
Dooley Planetarium at Francis Marion University
Francis Marion University, 200 Alumni Dr, Florence, SC 29506
Website
If you're looking for a unique free date near Francis Marion, consider a SC planetarium show in Florence! The Dooley has been hosting planetarium programs since 1978. In 2015, the President of FMU initiated a renovation project, wherein the planetarium chairs, carpet, and paint were all updated. Visitors can expect much more comfortable seating compared to the historic setup.
What else is new at the Dooley Planetarium? The lighting system around the dome has been leveled up to LED, and the staff have added an additional amplifier and mixer to the sound system. Expect bigger, bolder, and clearer sound! Up to 64 people can be accommodated in the super comfortable reclining chairs underneath the dome. If you check the website for current SC planetarium shows, you'll find exciting topics like “Black Holes,” “The Evening Skies of Winter,” and “One World, One Sky.”
Clemson University Planetarium: Enjoy Free Planetariums Shows All Year Long
Clemson University, Kinard Laboratory 112, Clemson, SC 29631
Website
The Physics and Astronomy Department at Clemson is rocking a mind-blowing digital SC planetarium right at home in Kinard Laboratory 112, and the planetarium is the superstar of its outreach program. Picture a state-of-the-art, full-dome digital theater system called Digistar 7, making its grand entrance in 2022! This bad boy has seriously redefined the game with its advanced user interface, real-time rendering wizardry, and jaw-dropping 4K full-dome video playback. It's like science fiction coming to life!
The cosmic database contains nearly a million astronomical objects, and staff can take visitors on a virtual journey anywhere – from Earth to the moon, Mars, and beyond! It's like having a front-row seat to the greatest cosmic show in the galaxy. With high resolution terrain maps and features, you'll walk away from the experience stunned and inspired to learn more about astronomy!
One Of The Best SC Planetariums: Hooper Planetarium
402 Roper Mountain Rd, Greenville, SC 29615
Website
As if we needed another reason to visit Greenville SC — the Hooper Planetarium has seriously leveled up its lighting and sound in the past few years. It's now home to a Laser Fantasy planetarium projector that incorporates popular music to laser sequences. Friday Starry Nights programming is free to the public every Friday, and one of the most frequently attended shows is the “Roller Coaster on Mars” experience.
What else is there to do at the Roper Mountain Science Center? Public programming varies by season. This winter 2024, the afternoon explorations program has expanded to include day-long workshops in topics like “spooky science,” “fall on the farm,” “for the love of STEM” and “living history farms.” The Roper Mountain Science Center is a great place to take kids who simply love learning.