VCSU Planetarium

09/21/2026

Saturday, September 26 at 11 AM

Room 309 Rhoades Science Center

(Elevator available by west entrance)

11: 00 AM

“Touching the Universe”- From backyard telescopes to stunning cosmic portraits, discover how amateur astrophotographers transform the night sky into works of art.

For more information about this planetarium show or to become a Friend of the Planetarium contact Wes Anderson, 701-845-0966 or Teather Sundstrom, 701-845-7458

09/21/2026

🍂 A new season begins — and Earth turns the page.

On September 23, 2026, at 00:05 UTC, the September Equinox arrives. At that exact moment, the Sun crosses the celestial equator from north to south, marking the beginning of astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

For a brief moment, Earth stands in a beautiful cosmic balance — neither hemisphere tilted toward or away from the Sun.

The leaves begin to fall in the north.
The flowers begin to bloom in the south. 🌎🍂🌸

And from this moment on, the days in the Northern Hemisphere will slowly grow shorter, while the Southern Hemisphere moves toward longer days and warmer months.

We often think of the seasons as something happening around us.

But they are really the result of our planet moving through space, tilted on its axis, orbiting a star.

So when you feel that first cool autumn evening, remember:

You are standing on a planet traveling through the Universe.

09/21/2026

VCSU students and employees are invited to celebrate the Fall Equinox at VCSU’s Medicine Wheel Park on Tuesday, September 22, at 7:00 p.m.

This special evening will include a brief program recognizing the longstanding partnership between VCSU and the Valley City community in supporting and developing Medicine Wheel Park. Dr. Joe Stickler, VCSU professor emeritus and curator of Medicine Wheel Park, wants to showcase this important relationship with the university and the community during a fun celebration.

Telescopes will be available for viewing stars and planets (weather permitting), offering an opportunity to experience that "we are connected to the universe."

The event is free and open to the public. We hope you will join us for this unique evening of learning, reflection, and celebration.

Send a message to learn more

09/16/2026

VCSU students are having some fun in the planetarium today as part of Homecoming celebrations!

09/12/2026

James Burke's "Connections" series in the 1970s is always a favorite. A look at history, science, and technology with lots of culture tucked in. This episode is a favorite; they're all favorites...if you've not seen them, please seek them out, but this one starts out by explaining why astrology was so important to the ancients starting out where else but in a planetarium! Astrology (Looking for meaning in the stars...predicting the future etc....Hokum-buncombe-flapdoodle-nonsense) indeed did lead to modern astronomy (the true science behind understanding the physics of how things work in the universe). It is fascinating!

Connections: An Alternative View of Change, by James Burke

08/20/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/199uGx9cT9/

🚨 Mark your calendars, North America! A stunning celestial event is coming! 🌕✨

On the night of August 27-28, we are being treated to a massive Partial Lunar Eclipse! Earth's shadow will cover a whopping 96.2% of the moon, creating a gorgeous copper-red glow—an "Almost Blood Moon." 🩸🌔

Swipe left or check the map to see your visibility zone! Here is what you can expect based on your location:

🔴 RED ZONE (East Coast & Midwest): Best seats in the house! You will see the entire eclipse from the first subtle shadow to the deep bite and final exit.
🟡 YELLOW ZONE (Central North America): You will catch the absolute best part—the maximum phase! Expect to see that deep, gorgeous copper-red moon.
🔵 BLUE ZONE (West Coast): You will get to see the beautiful early partial stages before the moon sets. Even a small bite is totally worth the watch!

⏰ THE DETAILS:

Dates: August 27-28

Peak Maximum: 12:12 AM on August 28 (Adjust for your local time!)

Coverage: 96.2%

👀 VIEWING TIPS:

No glasses needed! Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are 100% safe to look at with the naked eye.

Bring binoculars: While not required, binoculars or a telescope will make those crater details and red colors pop! 🔭

Check the weather: Clear skies are your best friend tonight. ☁️

🎥 Check out the full video for all the viewing tips and details! 👇
👉 https://youtu.be/Jykw2x9Ckkc

08/13/2026

Free Planetarium Show at Valley City State University

VCSU Planetarium
Rhoades Science Center
101 College St SW
Valley City, ND 58072


Saturday, August 15 at 1 PM
Room 309 Rhoades Science Center
(Elevator available by west entrance)

1:00 ‘The Solar System Show” presented by Wes Anderson

Blast off with a team of smart, wacky reporters and a cast of mischievous planets in the Planetarium Channel’s brand-new adventure, The Solar System Show! There’s a galaxy of fun waiting for everyone.

For more information about this planetarium show or to become a Friend of the Planetarium contact Wes Anderson, 701-845-0966 or Teather Sundstrom, 701-845-7458

08/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DsMbS9bYw/

07/20/2026

🌕 Happy Moon Day!

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 touched down on the lunar surface, marking one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to walk on the Moon while millions watched from Earth.

More than half a century later, the moment still reminds us how far curiosity, courage, and determination can take us. 🚀

Do you remember watching the Moon landing—or hearing stories from someone who did?

06/23/2026

Free Planetarium Show at Valley City State University

VCSU Planetarium
Rhoades Science Center
101 College St SW
Valley City, ND 58072


Saturday, June 27th at 11AM (new time)
Room 309 Rhoades Science Center
(Elevator available by west entrance)

11:00 A.M.: “Lila”
A short film about a cheerful caterpillar as she transforms into a butterfly, celebrating curiosity, growth, and the wonders of nature. This show is geared toward children 4-15.

For more information about this planetarium show or to become a Friend of the Planetarium contact Wes Anderson, 701-845-0966 or Teather Sundstrom, 701-845-7458