The Planetarium: Theme Park of the Universe!

 The planetarium is one feature of the Howard B. Owens Science Center, which is owned and operated by the Prince George's County Public School System for the benefit of its population of over 100,000 students.

The planetarium is open to the public on the second Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m. when schools are in session. Various taped and live shows are presented during the year.

The planetarium is the largest in the state of Maryland, and one of the most sophisticated as well. Its size and features enables presentation of planetarium shows the equal of those seen at planetariums in major cities.

       The star projector realistically depicts the night sky and models its changing aspects. Some 8,000 stars are projected onto the 55 foot diameter dome, where they can be comfortably viewed from 174 reclining, upholstered seats. The projector can be set to show the night sky as seen from anywhere on earth at any time or date, past or future. Constellation patterns can be studied at leisure, or quickly moved from season to season. Sun, moon, and planets can be moved rapidly through the sky to demonstrate their relative motions.

Nearly 100 slide projectors and special effects devices, as well as video and computer capabilities, ensure that planetarium audiences feel totally involved in the astronomical and space experience.

Special effects projectors can create the illusion of a spacecraft moving through space, of being in the midst of a meteor shower, of witnessing first-hand the tremendous power of a supernova explosion.

The planetarium is the theme park of the universe!

 For many people in the Washington metropolitan area, the planetarium offers the best view of the night sky, since - sadly - severe light pollution blocks out all but the brightest objects in our real sky. This is not to discourage anyone from venturing out under the stars of their own backyard.

Local astronomy groups, such as the The Astronomical Society of Greenbelt hold star parties at which anyone can look through a variety of telescopes to witness the wonders of the universe.