Bowling Green State University

Krista LaPerle's Plans

Wednesday, April 1

This is a past event.

Artemis 2 Moon Mission Launch Planetarium Watch Event

Wed, Apr 1, 2026 5:30pm to 9:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, Planetarium, Room 112

Free and open to the public
  Are you excited for the upcoming Artemis 2 Launch, which will send astronauts on a fly by of the Moon for the first time in over 50 years? Come watch the launch in the BGSU Planetarium! The earliest time the launch may happen is April 1 at 6:24 p.m. EDT. We will open the doors at 5:30 p.m. and display a livestream of the launch. Please note, the launch may be delayed to a later date. Visit our Facebook page for updates about the launch and watch event. If the launch is pushed to Thursday, April 2, the watch event will immediately follow the regularly scheduled Planeterium show, which begins at 6:30 p.m. 

Thursday, April 2

This is a past event.

Planetarium Classic Show: UNWORLDLY WEATHER

Thu, Apr 2, 2026 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  Explore the most spectacular weather on the Earth, other planets and moons, and the Sun, including hurricanes, tornados, thunderstorms, floods, drought, and extreme hot and cold, as well as many types of clouds, rain and snow. Experience this classic show by Dr. Dale Smith, which was created here at BGSU and premiered in 1994.   Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  

Friday, April 3

This is a past event.

Public Stargazing at the BGSU Observatory

Fri, Apr 3, 2026 9pm to 10pm

Physical Sciences Building, Roof

Free and open to the public
  Are you interested in stargazing and looking at celestial objects through telescopes?  Come check out the Department of Physics & Astronomy rooftop observatory during public stargazing sessions. The rooftop observatory includes a 0.5-meter research grade telescope as well as smaller “amateur astronomer” telescopes, which you will be able to look through. You will also learn how to find major constellations and any planets currently visible. Stargazes take place on the roof of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building. The roof can be accessed by taking the elevator to the roof (press the “R” button in the elevator). Signs in the hallway will help direct you to the elevator. Do not use the stairs to go to the roof. The “R” button on the elevator will be unlocked at the start time of the stargazing session. If you arrive before it is unlocked, please wait on the first floor for the session to begin. It is recommended that you dress warmly. The roof is usually colder and windier than the ground.  While on the roof for a stargaze, please refrain from talking on your cell phone so that you do not interrupt others or stop them from hearing what is being discussed. The use of phones for flash free pictures or astronomy apps is allowed. Please do not use the light on your phone, since dark adaptation is important for viewing the nighttime sky. Astronomical objects can only be seen when the sky is totally or mostly clear, therefore stargazes cannot be held unless the weather is clear. If it is snowing, raining, foggy, cloudy, or even partly cloudy, there will be no stargaze session that night. If you aren’t sure if the conditions will permit a stargaze session, you can call (419) 372-8831 for a recorded message telling whether the sessions will be held or canceled that night. The message is set one hour before the scheduled start of the session. If you call earlier than one hour before the start time, you may receive an incorrect message. When you arrive at the roof and exit the elevator, you will be greeted by one of the stargaze personnel and directed to the various stations you can visit. If you are attending the stargaze for a general visit (rather than as part of an astronomy course), please let the greeter know. In addition to the listed stargazing sessions, weather permitting, there may also be an opportunity for stargazing following evening Planetarium shows. 

Sunday, April 5

This is a past event.

Planetarium Show: DEFYING GRAVITY: IT IS ROCKET SCIENCE!

Sun, Apr 5, 2026 4:30pm to 5:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  From footballs and amusement parks, to rockets and space flight, to a possible low-gravity Moon base, see how humans have tried to overcome gravity. Plus, explore other extreme gravitational environments such as black holes.   Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  
This is a past event.

Planetarium Classic Show: UNWORLDLY WEATHER

Sun, Apr 5, 2026 7:30pm to 8:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  Explore the most spectacular weather on the Earth, other planets and moons, and the Sun, including hurricanes, tornados, thunderstorms, floods, drought, and extreme hot and cold, as well as many types of clouds, rain and snow. Experience this classic show by Dr. Dale Smith, which was created here at BGSU and premiered in 1994.   Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  
This is a past event.

Public Stargazing at the BGSU Observatory

Sun, Apr 5, 2026 9pm to 10pm

Physical Sciences Building, Roof

Free and open to the public
  Are you interested in stargazing and looking at celestial objects through telescopes?  Come check out the Department of Physics & Astronomy rooftop observatory during public stargazing sessions. The rooftop observatory includes a 0.5-meter research grade telescope as well as smaller “amateur astronomer” telescopes, which you will be able to look through. You will also learn how to find major constellations and any planets currently visible. Stargazes take place on the roof of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building. The roof can be accessed by taking the elevator to the roof (press the “R” button in the elevator). Signs in the hallway will help direct you to the elevator. Do not use the stairs to go to the roof. The “R” button on the elevator will be unlocked at the start time of the stargazing session. If you arrive before it is unlocked, please wait on the first floor for the session to begin. It is recommended that you dress warmly. The roof is usually colder and windier than the ground.  While on the roof for a stargaze, please refrain from talking on your cell phone so that you do not interrupt others or stop them from hearing what is being discussed. The use of phones for flash free pictures or astronomy apps is allowed. Please do not use the light on your phone, since dark adaptation is important for viewing the nighttime sky. Astronomical objects can only be seen when the sky is totally or mostly clear, therefore stargazes cannot be held unless the weather is clear. If it is snowing, raining, foggy, cloudy, or even partly cloudy, there will be no stargaze session that night. If you aren’t sure if the conditions will permit a stargaze session, you can call (419) 372-8831 for a recorded message telling whether the sessions will be held or canceled that night. The message is set one hour before the scheduled start of the session. If you call earlier than one hour before the start time, you may receive an incorrect message. When you arrive at the roof and exit the elevator, you will be greeted by one of the stargaze personnel and directed to the various stations you can visit. If you are attending the stargaze for a general visit (rather than as part of an astronomy course), please let the greeter know. In addition to the listed stargazing sessions, weather permitting, there may also be an opportunity for stargazing following evening Planetarium shows. 

Tuesday, April 7

This is a past event.

Public Stargazing at the BGSU Observatory

Tue, Apr 7, 2026 9pm to 10pm

Physical Sciences Building, Roof

Free and open to the public
  Are you interested in stargazing and looking at celestial objects through telescopes?  Come check out the Department of Physics & Astronomy rooftop observatory during public stargazing sessions. The rooftop observatory includes a 0.5-meter research grade telescope as well as smaller “amateur astronomer” telescopes, which you will be able to look through. You will also learn how to find major constellations and any planets currently visible. Stargazes take place on the roof of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building. The roof can be accessed by taking the elevator to the roof (press the “R” button in the elevator). Signs in the hallway will help direct you to the elevator. Do not use the stairs to go to the roof. The “R” button on the elevator will be unlocked at the start time of the stargazing session. If you arrive before it is unlocked, please wait on the first floor for the session to begin. It is recommended that you dress warmly. The roof is usually colder and windier than the ground.  While on the roof for a stargaze, please refrain from talking on your cell phone so that you do not interrupt others or stop them from hearing what is being discussed. The use of phones for flash free pictures or astronomy apps is allowed. Please do not use the light on your phone, since dark adaptation is important for viewing the nighttime sky. Astronomical objects can only be seen when the sky is totally or mostly clear, therefore stargazes cannot be held unless the weather is clear. If it is snowing, raining, foggy, cloudy, or even partly cloudy, there will be no stargaze session that night. If you aren’t sure if the conditions will permit a stargaze session, you can call (419) 372-8831 for a recorded message telling whether the sessions will be held or canceled that night. The message is set one hour before the scheduled start of the session. If you call earlier than one hour before the start time, you may receive an incorrect message. When you arrive at the roof and exit the elevator, you will be greeted by one of the stargaze personnel and directed to the various stations you can visit. If you are attending the stargaze for a general visit (rather than as part of an astronomy course), please let the greeter know. In addition to the listed stargazing sessions, weather permitting, there may also be an opportunity for stargazing following evening Planetarium shows. 

Thursday, April 9

This is a past event.

Planetarium Classic Show: UNWORLDLY WEATHER

Thu, Apr 9, 2026 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  Explore the most spectacular weather on the Earth, other planets and moons, and the Sun, including hurricanes, tornados, thunderstorms, floods, drought, and extreme hot and cold, as well as many types of clouds, rain and snow. Experience this classic show by Dr. Dale Smith, which was created here at BGSU and premiered in 1994.   Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  

Friday, April 10

This is a past event.

Artemis II Splashdown Planetarium Watch Event

Fri, Apr 10, 2026 7pm to 9pm

Physical Sciences Building, Planetarium, Room 112

Free and open to the public
  Join us at the BGSU Planetarium for a live watch event as we stream the Orion spacecraft’s re-entry and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego. Splashdown will take place on Friday, April 10, at 8:07 p.m. We will open the doors at 7:00 p.m. and display a livestream as the crew of Artemis II make their historic return to Earth.  
This is a past event.

Public Stargazing at the BGSU Observatory

Fri, Apr 10, 2026 9pm to 10pm

Physical Sciences Building, Roof

Free and open to the public
  Are you interested in stargazing and looking at celestial objects through telescopes?  Come check out the Department of Physics & Astronomy rooftop observatory during public stargazing sessions. The rooftop observatory includes a 0.5-meter research grade telescope as well as smaller “amateur astronomer” telescopes, which you will be able to look through. You will also learn how to find major constellations and any planets currently visible. Stargazes take place on the roof of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building. The roof can be accessed by taking the elevator to the roof (press the “R” button in the elevator). Signs in the hallway will help direct you to the elevator. Do not use the stairs to go to the roof. The “R” button on the elevator will be unlocked at the start time of the stargazing session. If you arrive before it is unlocked, please wait on the first floor for the session to begin. It is recommended that you dress warmly. The roof is usually colder and windier than the ground.  While on the roof for a stargaze, please refrain from talking on your cell phone so that you do not interrupt others or stop them from hearing what is being discussed. The use of phones for flash free pictures or astronomy apps is allowed. Please do not use the light on your phone, since dark adaptation is important for viewing the nighttime sky. Astronomical objects can only be seen when the sky is totally or mostly clear, therefore stargazes cannot be held unless the weather is clear. If it is snowing, raining, foggy, cloudy, or even partly cloudy, there will be no stargaze session that night. If you aren’t sure if the conditions will permit a stargaze session, you can call (419) 372-8831 for a recorded message telling whether the sessions will be held or canceled that night. The message is set one hour before the scheduled start of the session. If you call earlier than one hour before the start time, you may receive an incorrect message. When you arrive at the roof and exit the elevator, you will be greeted by one of the stargaze personnel and directed to the various stations you can visit. If you are attending the stargaze for a general visit (rather than as part of an astronomy course), please let the greeter know. In addition to the listed stargazing sessions, weather permitting, there may also be an opportunity for stargazing following evening Planetarium shows. 

Sunday, April 12

This is a past event.

Planetarium Show: SECRET OF THE CARDBOARD ROCKET

Sun, Apr 12, 2026 4:30pm to 5:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  Join two kids as they take their cardboard rocket on an adventurous tour around the Solar System and learn the secret of the cardboard rocket. This is a delightful and popular full dome video show the whole family will enjoy!    Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  
This is a past event.

Planetarium Show: RISING STAR – A SOUTH AFRICAN ASTRONOMY JOURNEY

Sun, Apr 12, 2026 7:30pm to 8:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  RISING STAR takes you on an astronomical journey from the beginnings of astronomy through the development of modern astronomy research in South Africa.  Multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy along with important international research facilities hosted in South Africa are highlighted.   Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  
This is a past event.

Public Stargazing at the BGSU Observatory

Sun, Apr 12, 2026 9:30pm to 10:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, Roof

Free and open to the public
  Are you interested in stargazing and looking at celestial objects through telescopes?  Come check out the Department of Physics & Astronomy rooftop observatory during public stargazing sessions. The rooftop observatory includes a 0.5-meter research grade telescope as well as smaller “amateur astronomer” telescopes, which you will be able to look through. You will also learn how to find major constellations and any planets currently visible. Stargazes take place on the roof of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building. The roof can be accessed by taking the elevator to the roof (press the “R” button in the elevator). Signs in the hallway will help direct you to the elevator. Do not use the stairs to go to the roof. The “R” button on the elevator will be unlocked at the start time of the stargazing session. If you arrive before it is unlocked, please wait on the first floor for the session to begin. It is recommended that you dress warmly. The roof is usually colder and windier than the ground.  While on the roof for a stargaze, please refrain from talking on your cell phone so that you do not interrupt others or stop them from hearing what is being discussed. The use of phones for flash free pictures or astronomy apps is allowed. Please do not use the light on your phone, since dark adaptation is important for viewing the nighttime sky. Astronomical objects can only be seen when the sky is totally or mostly clear, therefore stargazes cannot be held unless the weather is clear. If it is snowing, raining, foggy, cloudy, or even partly cloudy, there will be no stargaze session that night. If you aren’t sure if the conditions will permit a stargaze session, you can call (419) 372-8831 for a recorded message telling whether the sessions will be held or canceled that night. The message is set one hour before the scheduled start of the session. If you call earlier than one hour before the start time, you may receive an incorrect message. When you arrive at the roof and exit the elevator, you will be greeted by one of the stargaze personnel and directed to the various stations you can visit. If you are attending the stargaze for a general visit (rather than as part of an astronomy course), please let the greeter know. In addition to the listed stargazing sessions, weather permitting, there may also be an opportunity for stargazing following evening Planetarium shows. 

Tuesday, April 14

This is a past event.

Public Stargazing at the BGSU Observatory

Tue, Apr 14, 2026 9:30pm to 10:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, Roof

Free and open to the public
  Are you interested in stargazing and looking at celestial objects through telescopes?  Come check out the Department of Physics & Astronomy rooftop observatory during public stargazing sessions. The rooftop observatory includes a 0.5-meter research grade telescope as well as smaller “amateur astronomer” telescopes, which you will be able to look through. You will also learn how to find major constellations and any planets currently visible. Stargazes take place on the roof of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building. The roof can be accessed by taking the elevator to the roof (press the “R” button in the elevator). Signs in the hallway will help direct you to the elevator. Do not use the stairs to go to the roof. The “R” button on the elevator will be unlocked at the start time of the stargazing session. If you arrive before it is unlocked, please wait on the first floor for the session to begin. It is recommended that you dress warmly. The roof is usually colder and windier than the ground.  While on the roof for a stargaze, please refrain from talking on your cell phone so that you do not interrupt others or stop them from hearing what is being discussed. The use of phones for flash free pictures or astronomy apps is allowed. Please do not use the light on your phone, since dark adaptation is important for viewing the nighttime sky. Astronomical objects can only be seen when the sky is totally or mostly clear, therefore stargazes cannot be held unless the weather is clear. If it is snowing, raining, foggy, cloudy, or even partly cloudy, there will be no stargaze session that night. If you aren’t sure if the conditions will permit a stargaze session, you can call (419) 372-8831 for a recorded message telling whether the sessions will be held or canceled that night. The message is set one hour before the scheduled start of the session. If you call earlier than one hour before the start time, you may receive an incorrect message. When you arrive at the roof and exit the elevator, you will be greeted by one of the stargaze personnel and directed to the various stations you can visit. If you are attending the stargaze for a general visit (rather than as part of an astronomy course), please let the greeter know. In addition to the listed stargazing sessions, weather permitting, there may also be an opportunity for stargazing following evening Planetarium shows. 

Thursday, April 16

This is a past event.

Planetarium Show: SECRET OF THE CARDBOARD ROCKET

Thu, Apr 16, 2026 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  Join two kids as they take their cardboard rocket on an adventurous tour around the Solar System and learn the secret of the cardboard rocket. This is a delightful and popular full dome video show the whole family will enjoy!    Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  

Friday, April 17

This is a past event.

Public Stargazing at the BGSU Observatory

Fri, Apr 17, 2026 9:30pm to 10:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, Roof

Free and open to the public
  Are you interested in stargazing and looking at celestial objects through telescopes?  Come check out the Department of Physics & Astronomy rooftop observatory during public stargazing sessions. The rooftop observatory includes a 0.5-meter research grade telescope as well as smaller “amateur astronomer” telescopes, which you will be able to look through. You will also learn how to find major constellations and any planets currently visible. Stargazes take place on the roof of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building. The roof can be accessed by taking the elevator to the roof (press the “R” button in the elevator). Signs in the hallway will help direct you to the elevator. Do not use the stairs to go to the roof. The “R” button on the elevator will be unlocked at the start time of the stargazing session. If you arrive before it is unlocked, please wait on the first floor for the session to begin. It is recommended that you dress warmly. The roof is usually colder and windier than the ground.  While on the roof for a stargaze, please refrain from talking on your cell phone so that you do not interrupt others or stop them from hearing what is being discussed. The use of phones for flash free pictures or astronomy apps is allowed. Please do not use the light on your phone, since dark adaptation is important for viewing the nighttime sky. Astronomical objects can only be seen when the sky is totally or mostly clear, therefore stargazes cannot be held unless the weather is clear. If it is snowing, raining, foggy, cloudy, or even partly cloudy, there will be no stargaze session that night. If you aren’t sure if the conditions will permit a stargaze session, you can call (419) 372-8831 for a recorded message telling whether the sessions will be held or canceled that night. The message is set one hour before the scheduled start of the session. If you call earlier than one hour before the start time, you may receive an incorrect message. When you arrive at the roof and exit the elevator, you will be greeted by one of the stargaze personnel and directed to the various stations you can visit. If you are attending the stargaze for a general visit (rather than as part of an astronomy course), please let the greeter know. In addition to the listed stargazing sessions, weather permitting, there may also be an opportunity for stargazing following evening Planetarium shows. 

Sunday, April 19

This is a past event.

Planetarium Show: SECRET OF THE CARDBOARD ROCKET

Sun, Apr 19, 2026 4:30pm to 5:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  Join two kids as they take their cardboard rocket on an adventurous tour around the Solar System and learn the secret of the cardboard rocket. This is a delightful and popular full dome video show the whole family will enjoy!    Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  
This is a past event.

Planetarium Show: RISING STAR – A SOUTH AFRICAN ASTRONOMY JOURNEY

Sun, Apr 19, 2026 7:30pm to 8:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  RISING STAR takes you on an astronomical journey from the beginnings of astronomy through the development of modern astronomy research in South Africa.  Multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy along with important international research facilities hosted in South Africa are highlighted.   Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  
This is a past event.

Public Stargazing at the BGSU Observatory

Sun, Apr 19, 2026 9:30pm to 10:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, Roof

Free and open to the public
  Are you interested in stargazing and looking at celestial objects through telescopes?  Come check out the Department of Physics & Astronomy rooftop observatory during public stargazing sessions. The rooftop observatory includes a 0.5-meter research grade telescope as well as smaller “amateur astronomer” telescopes, which you will be able to look through. You will also learn how to find major constellations and any planets currently visible. Stargazes take place on the roof of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building. The roof can be accessed by taking the elevator to the roof (press the “R” button in the elevator). Signs in the hallway will help direct you to the elevator. Do not use the stairs to go to the roof. The “R” button on the elevator will be unlocked at the start time of the stargazing session. If you arrive before it is unlocked, please wait on the first floor for the session to begin. It is recommended that you dress warmly. The roof is usually colder and windier than the ground.  While on the roof for a stargaze, please refrain from talking on your cell phone so that you do not interrupt others or stop them from hearing what is being discussed. The use of phones for flash free pictures or astronomy apps is allowed. Please do not use the light on your phone, since dark adaptation is important for viewing the nighttime sky. Astronomical objects can only be seen when the sky is totally or mostly clear, therefore stargazes cannot be held unless the weather is clear. If it is snowing, raining, foggy, cloudy, or even partly cloudy, there will be no stargaze session that night. If you aren’t sure if the conditions will permit a stargaze session, you can call (419) 372-8831 for a recorded message telling whether the sessions will be held or canceled that night. The message is set one hour before the scheduled start of the session. If you call earlier than one hour before the start time, you may receive an incorrect message. When you arrive at the roof and exit the elevator, you will be greeted by one of the stargaze personnel and directed to the various stations you can visit. If you are attending the stargaze for a general visit (rather than as part of an astronomy course), please let the greeter know. In addition to the listed stargazing sessions, weather permitting, there may also be an opportunity for stargazing following evening Planetarium shows. 

Today

Public Stargazing at the BGSU Observatory

Tue, Apr 21, 2026 9:30pm to 10:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, Roof

Free and open to the public
  Are you interested in stargazing and looking at celestial objects through telescopes?  Come check out the Department of Physics & Astronomy rooftop observatory during public stargazing sessions. The rooftop observatory includes a 0.5-meter research grade telescope as well as smaller “amateur astronomer” telescopes, which you will be able to look through. You will also learn how to find major constellations and any planets currently visible. Stargazes take place on the roof of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building. The roof can be accessed by taking the elevator to the roof (press the “R” button in the elevator). Signs in the hallway will help direct you to the elevator. Do not use the stairs to go to the roof. The “R” button on the elevator will be unlocked at the start time of the stargazing session. If you arrive before it is unlocked, please wait on the first floor for the session to begin. It is recommended that you dress warmly. The roof is usually colder and windier than the ground.  While on the roof for a stargaze, please refrain from talking on your cell phone so that you do not interrupt others or stop them from hearing what is being discussed. The use of phones for flash free pictures or astronomy apps is allowed. Please do not use the light on your phone, since dark adaptation is important for viewing the nighttime sky. Astronomical objects can only be seen when the sky is totally or mostly clear, therefore stargazes cannot be held unless the weather is clear. If it is snowing, raining, foggy, cloudy, or even partly cloudy, there will be no stargaze session that night. If you aren’t sure if the conditions will permit a stargaze session, you can call (419) 372-8831 for a recorded message telling whether the sessions will be held or canceled that night. The message is set one hour before the scheduled start of the session. If you call earlier than one hour before the start time, you may receive an incorrect message. When you arrive at the roof and exit the elevator, you will be greeted by one of the stargaze personnel and directed to the various stations you can visit. If you are attending the stargaze for a general visit (rather than as part of an astronomy course), please let the greeter know. In addition to the listed stargazing sessions, weather permitting, there may also be an opportunity for stargazing following evening Planetarium shows. 

Thursday, April 23

Planetarium Show: RISING STAR – A SOUTH AFRICAN ASTRONOMY JOURNEY

Thu, Apr 23, 2026 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  RISING STAR takes you on an astronomical journey from the beginnings of astronomy through the development of modern astronomy research in South Africa.  Multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy along with important international research facilities hosted in South Africa are highlighted.   Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  

Friday, April 24

Public Stargazing at the BGSU Observatory

Fri, Apr 24, 2026 9:30pm to 10:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, Roof

Free and open to the public
  Are you interested in stargazing and looking at celestial objects through telescopes?  Come check out the Department of Physics & Astronomy rooftop observatory during public stargazing sessions. The rooftop observatory includes a 0.5-meter research grade telescope as well as smaller “amateur astronomer” telescopes, which you will be able to look through. You will also learn how to find major constellations and any planets currently visible. Stargazes take place on the roof of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building. The roof can be accessed by taking the elevator to the roof (press the “R” button in the elevator). Signs in the hallway will help direct you to the elevator. Do not use the stairs to go to the roof. The “R” button on the elevator will be unlocked at the start time of the stargazing session. If you arrive before it is unlocked, please wait on the first floor for the session to begin. It is recommended that you dress warmly. The roof is usually colder and windier than the ground.  While on the roof for a stargaze, please refrain from talking on your cell phone so that you do not interrupt others or stop them from hearing what is being discussed. The use of phones for flash free pictures or astronomy apps is allowed. Please do not use the light on your phone, since dark adaptation is important for viewing the nighttime sky. Astronomical objects can only be seen when the sky is totally or mostly clear, therefore stargazes cannot be held unless the weather is clear. If it is snowing, raining, foggy, cloudy, or even partly cloudy, there will be no stargaze session that night. If you aren’t sure if the conditions will permit a stargaze session, you can call (419) 372-8831 for a recorded message telling whether the sessions will be held or canceled that night. The message is set one hour before the scheduled start of the session. If you call earlier than one hour before the start time, you may receive an incorrect message. When you arrive at the roof and exit the elevator, you will be greeted by one of the stargaze personnel and directed to the various stations you can visit. If you are attending the stargaze for a general visit (rather than as part of an astronomy course), please let the greeter know. In addition to the listed stargazing sessions, weather permitting, there may also be an opportunity for stargazing following evening Planetarium shows. 

Sunday, April 26

Planetarium Show: SECRET OF THE CARDBOARD ROCKET

Sun, Apr 26, 2026 4:30pm to 5:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  Join two kids as they take their cardboard rocket on an adventurous tour around the Solar System and learn the secret of the cardboard rocket. This is a delightful and popular full dome video show the whole family will enjoy!    Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  

Planetarium Show: RISING STAR – A SOUTH AFRICAN ASTRONOMY JOURNEY

Sun, Apr 26, 2026 7:30pm to 8:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  RISING STAR takes you on an astronomical journey from the beginnings of astronomy through the development of modern astronomy research in South Africa.  Multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy along with important international research facilities hosted in South Africa are highlighted.   Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  

Thursday, April 30

Planetarium Show: RISING STAR – A SOUTH AFRICAN ASTRONOMY JOURNEY

Thu, Apr 30, 2026 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Physical Sciences Building, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112

$2 Donation Suggested
  RISING STAR takes you on an astronomical journey from the beginnings of astronomy through the development of modern astronomy research in South Africa.  Multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy along with important international research facilities hosted in South Africa are highlighted.   Public stargazing will follow evening shows, weather permitting.  
Bowling Green State University Powered by the Localist Community Event Platform © All rights reserved