Dooley Planetarium

Dooley Planetarium A fully digital, FREE public planetarium at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. A In 2000, with the passing of its first director, Mr.

The Francis Marion University Planetarium opened its doors in 1978. At its heart was a Spitz System 512 Projector which could project a total of 2,354 stars, as well as several prominent galaxies and star clusters on a 33 foot dome with 73 seats for visitors. Ed Dooley, the planetarium was officially named, Dooley Planetarium. In 2014 ScienceSouth, Inc. and Francis Marion University were awarded a grant from NASA to host a series of programs called NASA Saturday in the P*e Dee. As part of the grant, FMU was sub-awarded monies to use for the renovation of the planetarium to a fully digital system, replace the lights around the dome, and upgrade the sound system to Stereo 5.1 surround. Gone from the center of the planetarium is the Spitz-512 star projector. In its place sits a metal platform and railing system around two HD projectors. Now we have a fully digital planetarium system known as Digistar 5 from Evans & Sutherland. The platform and was constructed by Severance Metal and Steel Fabricating, Inc. right here in Effingham, SC. The lighting system around the dome was removed and replaced with the AstroFXAurora LED Lighting system from Bowen Technovation. They also upgraded our sound system by adding in a fifth speaker, relocating the subwofer, and adding an additional amplifier and new mixer. Their system also is integrated into the Digistar 5 system allowing us total control of the LED lights and sound during productions. In June 2016 the planetarium underwent a third phase of upgrades. New seating from American Seating was installed. The seating plan now provides larger seats as well as some additional leg room. New carpet and wall color round out the changes made during the upgrade.

08/22/2026

We are currently experiencing a severe thunderstorm. Please stay home and stay dry! We cannot see anything this evening. Hopefully, September 11th will be better skies.

For those wishing to see the total solar eclipse occurring today, here is a nice Live View!
08/12/2026

For those wishing to see the total solar eclipse occurring today, here is a nice Live View!

timeanddate.com’s live stream of the total solar eclipse on August ...

The Cauthen Educational Media Center officially reopens on May 11th! We have adjusted our public show calendar for the m...
05/08/2026

The Cauthen Educational Media Center officially reopens on May 11th! We have adjusted our public show calendar for the month of May.

We will hold public shows on May 17 and May 31. In June we will return to our usual 2nd and 4th Sunday schedule.

Doors will be opened 30 minutes prior and seating is first come, first seated. All shows start at 3 pm.

You can use this website to track the progress of the Artemis II mission.
04/02/2026

You can use this website to track the progress of the Artemis II mission.

NASA explores the unknown in air and space, innovates for the benefit of humanity, and inspires the world through discovery.

04/01/2026

Moonbound.

The Artemis II mission lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39B today at 6:35 p.m. EDT (2235 UTC).

Main engine cutoff of the SLS (Space Launch System) core stage is complete, and the core stage has successfully separated from the interim cryogenic propulsion stage and the Orion spacecraft. This marks the end of the first major propulsion phase of the Artemis II mission and the transition to upper‑stage operations.

04/01/2026

We are seeing the crew move into position. The Artemis II launch is scheduled for 6:24 pm tonight! Apollo 17 in December 1972 was our last visit to the Moon. The Artemis II crew will arrive at the Moon around day 5 of their mission.

Work continues on the Cauthen Educational Media Center. We are told that it is progressing well. The entire building has...
02/20/2026

Work continues on the Cauthen Educational Media Center. We are told that it is progressing well. The entire building has been closed to allow workers access to all areas without needing to worry about interrupting classes.

We are waiting for our move-in date before we announce our public show calendar.

Hopefully, we will be able to start hosting groups in our planetarium again starting in early May. Until then, we are hosting viewings at the FMU Observatory. Check our events list for our next Night Under the Stars.

01/28/2026

We are sad to announce that our Saturday STEM event for the Public and Families has been canceled due to expected worsening conditions beginning Friday night and extending into Saturday morning.

Our Friday STEM Event for High School students is still going to occur.

Thank you for your interest in STEM at Francis Marion University!

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4822 E Palmetto Street
Florence, SC
29506

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