RADFORD – The Radford University Planetarium is now open, but people interested in attending must
get permission to see the show.
“We have settled on the protocols that will help to keep everyone as safe as possible while still offering
shows for everyone,” said Dr. Rhett Herman, planetarium director. “Our shows for the next few weeks,
until at least mid-October, will be Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. We will also have our popular
Saturday morning kids’ shows starting on Saturday, Sept. 25, at 10:30 a.m.”
The following protocols are in place to attend a show:
Email planets@radford.edu with your name, your phone number, the date of the show that you would like
to attend, and the total number of people in your COVID-family group with the names of all people in
their group including their names and the total number of people in their group.
The maximum number of people allowed for any group is 27 so social distancing can be maintained.
To attend any show, persons must receive a confirmation email and bring that email with them to show to
the planetarium operator upon arrival. Planetarium officials say they will reply to all emails as soon as
they can with the date persons can attend, so they ask for patience.
If the requested show is full, planetarium officials will reply to the email with that information and ask for
another date.
Everyone ages 5 and older must wear a properly fitting face mask in the planetarium at all times
regardless of vaccination status. This mask must cover both nose and mouth. Masks may not be removed
at any time. Anyone removing a mask during the show will be asked to leave.
To continue operating in this reduced capacity in these difficult times, the planetarium needs everyone’s
assistance. Be advised of the following:
The Commonwealth of Virginia and Radford University have a masking requirement. Additional
information is available at https://www.radford.edu/content/radfordcore/home/reopening/mask.html.
Radford University is requiring physical distancing in any and all situations where possible. For the
Planetarium, seating can be arranged so that families can sit with each other, but non-family individuals
and groups will be seated with at least five feet of physical distancing. The planetarium will clearly mark
available seats.
Radford University is advising anyone who is ill or feeling ill to remain at home.
The planetarium is located in the Center for the Sciences room M75 (Main Street level). Persons should
enter through the doors from Parking Lot C. All shows are free, and everyone is welcome to come.
All shows include a tour of the nighttime sky using a full-dome projection system. Some shows will also
have a full-dome, professionally produced show on an astronomical topic.
For the daytime shows, four metered parking spots will be available in Lots C and B, next to the Center
for the Sciences. Several metered spaces in the portion of Parking Lot A that lies directly between Martin
Hall and Main Street will also be available.
Anyone may pick up a free parking day pass by dropping by the Radford University Parking office in
Heth Hall or the Radford University Police Station (at the intersection of University Drive and Main
Street).
The planetarium has hearing-assisted receivers for the sound system. Those seeking to use the system
should bring their own earphones (1/16 inch [3.5mm] stereo jack).
No food or drinks are allowed in the planetarium.
For more information, contact Planetarium Director Dr. Rhett Herman at rherman@radford.edu.
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