Astronomy

Planetarium

"The Sky Tonight"
Our 40' planetarium is open to the public as we continue our free 2nd friday of the month show: "The Sky Tonight." See stars, planets, and constellations on our 40" dome. Prof. Stanford's next presentation is Friday Nov. 14, 7:30 pm with a second show (if needed) at 8:20 pm. Parking is free in lots 7a & 7b. Reservations not required, and seating is on a first come basis.

SMCAS
San Mateo County Astronomical Society holds their monthly meeting on CSM campus. General meetings with conversation and refreshments are held in the Integrated Science Center, Bldg. 36, Rm 110 at 7:00 pm. Guest speaker follows at 8:00 in the planetarium. All are welcome. For more information call Ed Pieret at 650-862-9602 or visit SMCAS website. The next SMCAS meeting is Friday, Oct. 3.

Planetarium System
CSM has re-established America's first hybrid planetarium and the world's 1st GOTO-CHRONOS HYBRID planetarium. The system will consist of the GOTO CHRONOS opto-mechanical space simulator from GOTO Optical Mfg. Co., and dual Digistar3 SP2 HD projectors from Evans & Sutherland.

The Chronos will show over 8000 stars to 6th magnitude, 26 deep sky objects, and the Milky Way. The D3 projectors, in conjunction with our Spitz ATM4 Theatre Automation System, will present all-dome, surround sound videos, planet fly-bys, Messier objects, and more!







This Fall, Project Star Gaze and CSM planetarium
will feature the popular animation show:
Zula Patrol: "Under the Weather"



Project Star Gaze
We are proud to continue our popular "Project Star Gaze" program for kids and teachers, in the planetarium. These shows give school children an exciting introduction to astronomy. Designed primarily for kindergarten through 5th graders, "Project Star Gaze" at College of San Mateo, offers children and their teachers experience with "real" science during free field trips to the planetarium. Our astronomy faculty tailor the workshops to each age group. CSM's planetarium has served thousands of students and visitors since 1963. Our new facility is equipped with dual Evans & Sutherland Digistar 3 SP2 HD projectors and GOTO Chronos opto-mechanical space simulator. The planetarium seats almost 100 visitors.

"Project Star Gaze" provides an exciting venue for students to be introduced to scientific methodology and its application to everyday life. Each session includes a planetarium star show, plus demonstrations of solar system basics and spectroscopy. Recent studies recommend that elementary school children be exposed to dynamic, hands-on experiences with science. Early in their education, they need an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of science and the scientific method. This program also exposes elementary school children to a college environment, helping to encourage lifelong learning and to kindle an early interest in pursuing higher education. "Project Star Gaze" also represents CSM's commitment to its community. Partners providing a variety of critial project resources include: The San Mateo County Community College Foundation, and the San Mateo County Astronomical Society, which meets monthly in the planetarium.

To schedule a free field trip, contact Prof. Mohsen Janatpour at janatpour@smccd.edu or call 650-574-6272.