Appold Planetarium
The Appold Planetarium is essential to Lourdes University’s community outreach efforts.
Soar through space and visit the Sun and Moon as a virtual astronaut. Watch the eclipse from the surface of the Moon. Learn about different types of solar and lunar eclipses. Discover the secrets that make these celestial events so awe-inspiring and how to make the most of the upcoming eclipse.
March 15, 16, 22, 23 @ 7:30 PM
April 5 @ 7:30 PM
April 6, 7 @ 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 PM
$5 Adults | $4 Children/Lourdes Community
Reservations are recommended.
Contact the Appold Planetarium at 419-517-8897.
About the Planetarium
Appold Planetarium provides real-time 3D sky simulations, full-dome shows, and multimedia presentations.
Built in 1964, the former Copernicus Planetarium underwent renovations in 2006 to become a digital immersive theater. The planetarium features SciDome, a single projector full-dome video system powered by Starry Night software. Thanks to generous donors James and Patricia Appold, the Appold Planetarium has allowed for the expansion of astronomy instruction for Lourdes’ undergraduate programs, as well as biology and education.
Public shows bring in a cross-section of the community and have been used to educate people of all ages, from preschoolers through senior citizens. Lourdes students, staff, and faculty receive discounted admission to public events.
For more information, contact the Planetarium at
planetarium@lourdes.edu or 419-517-8897.
FAQs and Policies
CANCELLATION DUE TO WEATHER
If weather conditions result in school closings or delays, the Appold Planetarium Coordinator reserves the right to cancel shows. Decisions are guided by information about delays and/or closings for schools attending shows, as well as weather and road conditions near the Lourdes campus.
Decisions about cancellations are based on the particular situation, safety, and best interests of everyone. The decision to cancel will be made no later than 8:15 AM. We will try to reach group leaders as well as leave a message on the Appold Planetarium’s answering machine, 419-517-8897.
If you must cancel your reservation at the last minute due to weather, please call 419-517-8897.
LATE ARRIVALS
The Appold Planetarium is reserved for one hour for each group. If a program begins late due to late arrivals, the program will still end at the scheduled time so that the next group is not delayed. No refunds or discounts will be given.
No food or beverages are allowed inside of the Appold Planetarium.
2024 Eclipse
When is the total solar eclipse?
Afternoon of Monday, April 8, 2024. The exact time will be determined by where you are.
Duration of totality | Start of the partial phase | Start of totality | Maximum eclipse | |
Bowling Green | 2m 59s | 1:56 | 3:11 | 3:13 |
Findlay | 3m 44s | 1:56 | 3:11 | 3:13 |
Maumee | 2m 6s | 1:56 | 3:11 | 3:13 |
Sandusky | 3m 45s | 1:58 | 3:21 | 3:14 |
Toledo | 1m 42s | 1:56 | 3:12 | 3:13 |
Where should I go to see the eclipse?
A partial solar eclipse will be visible from lots of places, but everyone should go to a place where the total solar eclipse can be seen. Here’s an interactive map to help you to find your spot: http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/TSE_2024_GoogleMapFull.html?Lat=41.71894&Lng=-83.71299&Elv=204.0&Zoom=7&LC=1
Eclipse Watch Party @ Wildwood Metropark
On April 8, join the Appold Planetarium staff at Wildwood Metropark. Staff will have hands-on demonstrations, answer questions, and share safety tips. Bring a chair and your own eclipse glasses or pin-hole viewers. This event is free and open to everyone. Please note this is not a Metroparks program and Metroparks naturalists will not be on site. Meet at Wildwood Preserve Metropark in the recreational field near the playground (near parking lot 7, main entrance).
Find local eclipse events here: https://www.visittoledo.org/eclipse/
Safety
Please, never look directly at the Sun without equipment that’s specifically designed for looking at the Sun. Sunglasses, binoculars, and telescopes do NOT count as proper protection.
- Eclipse glasses
- Pinhole camera – easy directions: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/how-to-make-a-pinhole-camera/
Check out this eclipse simulator: www.eclipse2024.org/eclipse_cities/statemap.html
Teacher Resources
Lessons for the classroom:
https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/phenomenon/solar-eclipse
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/epic-eclipse-a-pi-in-the-sky-challenge/
Astronomy Links
RECOMMENDED LINKS
- Basics of Astronomy: a great place to get started
- Naked eye astronomy is all about what you can see even without a telescope.
- Google Sky: browse the universe, locate planets and constellations in the sky, zoom in to distant galaxies and nebulae.
- Hands-On Solar Activities: the YPOP Solar Classroom is filled with hands-on, solar related activities.
- Exploratorium: discover your weight and age on other planets!
- Backyard astronomy has resources for people ready to set up their own telescope.
- Computer games are the fun way to learn about stars, asteroids, galaxies, and more!
- Amateur Astronomy at Home has links to a range of introductory astronomy sites.
NASA LINKS
- NASA Climate Kids demystifies the “Big Questions” about global climate change using 4-6th-grade-level language, colorful illustrations, humor, interactivity, and games.
- SciJinks Weather Laboratory targets middle-schoolers. It explains the reasons for the seasons, the tides, and other weather and Earth science mysteries in colorful “Now I get it!” pages.
- SunTrek: take a journey into space and find out more about the Sun and its effect on the Earth.
- The Evening Sky Map & Calendar: a two-page guide to the night sky.
- Toledo Astronomical Association: offers star parties (open to the public) and telescope advice.