The Planetarium is available by reservation for groups from 50-180. Groups from 20-50 can reserve seats at one of our weekend public planetarium shows or during one of our scheduled weekday school shows.
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1. PLAN YOUR TRIP
- Group Programs are offered Monday through Thursday evenings, Friday afternoon, Saturday morning and all day Sunday.
- Admission is $4.00 per person (per program). A minimum of 50 paid admissions are required for a booking. Smaller groups may attend our weekend public or weekday school shows.
- A single "group leader" should be designated to coordinate all aspects of the visit.
- During regular group program hours a minimum of 50 seats must be purchased. The Planetarium reserves the right to schedule more than one group per show.
- Smaller groups may attend programs already on our schedule.
- A variety of shows are available with varied content and grade level. Browse our currently available shows, or simply specify grade level and request our assistance in selecting a show for your group.
- Groups should designate a single "group leader" who will coordinate all aspects of the field trip. The group leader supervises and coordinates all other participating teachers and adult chaperones.
2. REQUEST A RESERVATION
- A reservation request form is available on this site to allow you to make the reservation at your convenience. You will receive a reservation confirmation within 72 hours from our ticket office.
- Reservations may be made or altered only by the group leader who must show valid identification.
- Reservations should be finalized at least two weeks prior to the visit.
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Unless coordinated with the reservationists all seats reserved for a given program will be charged to your organization. A “NO SHOW” fee ($4.00/per person) will be charged in lieu of the ticket charge. Payment of the “No-Show Fee” policy will be strictly enforced.
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Check your reservation confirmation to confirm that dates, times and shows are correct and notify us of any errors as soon as possible.
- If catering is desired, check the box on the reservation form and we will contact you with available options. Catering must be done through CTC’s Auxiliary Food Services Department. This can be coordinated with the Planetarium director at least two weeks prior to your event. Events requiring catering are held in the rotunda (adjacent to the lobby) with a maximum seated capacity of 80 adults. Food and drinks are not allowed into the theater.
3. FINALIZE YOUR PLANNING
- The Planetarium seating is 180 and is wheelchair accessible.
- The group leader should call one week before the visit to confirm program title(s) and group size.
- Fees are due at the time of the program unless other arrangements have been approved in advance. Credit cards are accepted. Make checks payable to “Central Texas College." If check(s) have been issued prior to the number of people attending and/or are less people than what was originally reserved the patron is still responsible to pay for the number of seats he/she reserved.Coupons or free passes are not accepted for group reservations.
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Unless coordinated with the reservationists, all seats reserved for a given program will be charged to your organization. A “NO SHOW” fee ($4.00/per person) will be charged in lieu of the ticket charge. The “No-Show Fee” policy will be strictly enforced.
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There is no dining area in the Planetarium. If the weather is nice, we recommend taking your students to the duck pond area on campus if you would like to have a picnic lunch.
- The Planetarium seating is 180 and is wheelchair accessible. The temperature in the Planetarium is maintained at approximately 70 degrees, so please dress accordingly.
- An exhibit space is available in the lobby and can be opened upon request to allow patrons to learn about or purchase astronomy related items.
- The group leader should collect the total amount due for their entire group for payment prior to viewing the scheduled show. All funds should be collected and a final head count conducted before departing the school. Payment by check or credit card is preferable as it will speed your transaction. Fees are due at the time of the program unless other arrangements have been approved in advance. All major credit cards, debit/check cards, cash, business or bank checks are accepted for payment. Make checks payable to “Central Texas College.” If check(s) have been issued prior to the number of people attending and/or are less people than what was originally reserved the patron is still responsible to pay for the number of seats he/she reserved.
- Purchase orders are not accepted unless prior arrangements have been made with the director of Planetarium & Outreach Services at (254) 526-1671.
- Coupons or free passes are NOT accepted for school reservations.
- Large groups and groups traveling greater distances should arrive earlier to allow time for restroom use before the program.
- If you encounter travel delays on the way to the Planetarium, please call (254) 526-1768 to update us on your present location and estimated time of arrival.
- For check-in, the group leader should have sale print-out form along with reservation number.
4. ENJOY YOUR VISIT!
- Please arrive at the Planetarium at least 20 minutes before the start of program.
- If you encounter travel delays on the way to the Planetarium, please call (254) 526-1768 to update us on your present location and estimated time of arrival.
- Planetarium parking is limited during school hours, so if your group will be driving, please make arrangements with the Visitor Services Coordinator. Buses or vans should drop students off directly in front of the Planetarium building. Patrons are NOT allowed to park in reserved parking in front of the Planetarium building. There is more parking available in the large lot across the street. Our visitor coordinator and/or Planetarium program assistant will give a brief introduction to your show in the lobby.
- Buses should arrive at the Planetarium at least 20 minutes before the start of program.
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Bus parking is available on Bell Tower Drive for the loading and unloading of passengers. Please do not attempt to park buses in the Planetarium lot due to heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
- After unloading, buses may park in the large lot across the street from the Planetarium.
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Since the Planetarium shares a lot with classrooms and offices, many spaces are reserved. Do not park in any space marked as reserved even during weekend public shows. If there are no spaces available in the lot adjacent to the Planetarium, additional parking is available across the street in a large overflow lot.
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The group leader should proceed immediately to the visitor services office to complete payment and pick up any handout materials after the show.
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Groups should be quieted before entering the building as CTC classes may be in session.
Leaders and chaperones should line up children in the Planetarium lobby as quietly as possible and should space themselves evenly among the children before entering the theater.
- Leaders and chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their group at all times. Undisciplined groups will be asked to leave and may forfeit their right to return. Organizations will be billed for intentional damage known to have been caused by an individual in a specific group.
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Electronics such as radios, cellular telephones and PDAs should be turned off prior to the start of the show.
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Backpacks may not be brought into the Planetarium unless approved by the director of Planetarium and Outreach Services.
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The director and/or Planetarium program assistant will give a brief introduction to your show in the lobby.
Civic Groups
Bring your group to the Planetarium and enjoy a show in our state-of-the art 60-foot dome. Our projection capabilities will allow your group to do business before or after viewing a show and we can arrange catering through our full service college catering office.
Corporate Functions
From thank-you events for customers to employee training events, we can accommodate your group in style. Custom laser messages can be tailored to your group and we have a full complement of audio-visual equipment to enhance any presentation.
Small Groups
Groups of 20 of more may reserve seats at one of our weekend public planetarium shows and receive a group rate discount.
Scouts
Our staff astronomer and program assistant are ready to help the members of your scout troop obtain their badges or belt loops in astronomy. For a fee of $7 per person (20-person minimum) our staff works with you personally for two hours. We offer this program on Saturdays from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Your scouts are encouraged to do some of the work required (making models, diagrams, etc) on their time, but bring it in to us for approval. The time at the Planetarium is spent viewing a show in the dome, having an extended star talk, and doing a hands on activity with our staff. Activities include viewing the sun with a solar telescope and sun spotters, answering a worksheet of questions pertinent to the requirements, and doing a survival on the moon worksheet made by NASA. In the event of inclement weather, or if you so choose, we can substitute the viewing of the sun with a planet walk or a lesson on the solar system.
For more information and to make reservations, please contact Kathy Rose at planetarium.answerman@ctcd.edu or call her at 254-526-1799.
Birthday Parties
Celebrate your child's birthday in celestial style at the Planetarium. You can reserve seats for your group at any public planetarium show and we can prepare a special birthday presentation for your child for a small fee.
