VCSU Planetarium

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

06/22/2026

Summer Solstice June 21st, 2026 at the Medicine Wheel Park. Clouds came in at the last minute to obscure the actual sunset but it was the end of a really nice day!

06/18/2026

It’s always a blast with all the fun questions and insight from the kids!

05/20/2026

Wes is trying something.

05/04/2026

A Century and a Half of Capturing a Giant 📸

This image brings together 143 years of observing Jupiter — from the first blurry snapshots of the 1800s to the breathtaking level of detail we can see today.

And tonight, the giant planet is putting on a show just for you.

No telescope needed… just step outside and look up 👀

💬 Are you going to catch Jupiter tonight?

04/08/2026

Free Planetarium Show at Valley City State University


VCSU Planetarium
101 College St SW
Valley City, ND 58072


Saturday, April 18th at 1:00 p.m
Room 309 Rhoades Science Center
(Elevator available by west entrance)

1:00 P.M.: “Two Pieces of Glass- the Amazing Telescope” Though it seems like a simple tool—a tube with two small pieces of glass— learn how the telescope has profoundly revealed the universe to those on Earth


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