Downing Planetarium in Fresno, CA

The Downing Planetarium in Fresno, CA, is an iconic local landmark that has been delighting generations of families for years. Located on the campus of California State University, Fresno, the planetarium offers a variety of entertaining and educational programs for all ages. With its state-of-the-art technology and breathtaking visuals, the Downing Planetarium offers the best in astronomical and space exploration entertainment for the entire Central Valley region. Visit this link for more information.

Named after renowned astronomer and Fresno native James P. Downing, the Downing Planetarium opened its doors to the public in 1972. Since then, it has been a popular spot for school groups, families, and astronomy enthusiasts to explore the wonders of the night sky. With its impressive Zeiss Universal star projector, the planetarium projects breathtakingly realistic images of stars, nebulae, and galaxies onto its domed ceiling. The dome itself is made up of over 600 custom-configured Carl Zeiss-mandrel-mirrored panels, creating a fluid and seamless projection that dynamizes the night sky. From Fridays through Sundays, the planetarium hosts star-gazing parties—opportunities to see the night sky up close and personal. On special occasions, planetarium staff fire up the projector for a live lecture that covers a wide range of topics from astrology to black holes and from stargazing to space exploration. At its store, visitors can purchase toys, replicas, sundials, and other space-related souvenirs. Read about Garden of the Sun in Fresno, CA here.