If hiking the Valley’s mountains still doesn’t get you close enough to the sun, head to the region’s planetariums and observatories for a better view. Science lovers, outer space fanatics, and astronomer hopefuls can study the night sky and all of its celestial events in the dome-shaped buildings to learn more about space and the universe at large. The Hudson Valley was even home to famous astronomer Maria Mitchell, who served as the first director of the Vassar College Observatory from the observatory’s opening in 1865 until 1888. Although the building is now a classroom space for the college, it sparked an interest in science and discovery that was just the start of the region’s fascination with astronomy.
View this post on Instagram
Whether you’re searching for a rainy day activity or you’re fascinated by constellations, these Hudson Valley observatories and planetariums are sure to keep you entertained.
What’s the difference between a planetarium and an observatory?
While a planetarium is typically a domed, enclosed indoor space that features a projector, an observatory is a domed, open outdoor space that features a telescope. In a planetarium, visitors can learn about outer space and celestial events via projector thanks to the research results of observatories, which allow visitors to observe the night sky in real time through a telescope.
Gustafson Planetarium
Fishkill
View this post on Instagram
With 48 seats in Fishkill, the Gustafson Planetarium is a fully equipped theater that teaches about the wonders of the night sky. Presentations at the theater are 45 minutes to one hour, and all shows point out familiar constellations and current objects in the sky, from meteors to planets to comets. Full dome shows touch on all sorts of topics that are ideal for young students as well as general audiences, featuring themes like the solar system, a comet’s journey, and the evolving definition of a planet.
Hirsch Observatory
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy
View this post on Instagram
In Troy, the Hirsch Observatory located at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is open to the public every Saturday from 8-10 p.m. Visitors to the observatory will have the opportunity to view the cosmos through a 16-inch telescope, along with several smaller telescopes and binoculars, to see planets, stars, the moon, and deep sky objects like galaxies in real time.
Hudson River Museum
Yonkers
View this post on Instagram
One of the largest planetariums in the Valley, the Hudson River Museum’s planetarium offers public shows every Saturday and Sunday at multiple time slots – each geared towards a different age group. For a show for everyone, plan on arriving for the 2 p.m. slot to see what the sky will look like later that night and catch live outer-space action in an interactive environment. For something unique, head to the Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon show to catch immersive visuals organized to the album’s 10 tracks.
John R. Kirk Planetarium
SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz
View this post on Instagram
SUNY New Paltz’s planetarium is an indoor, domed theater that seats 43 visitors. The theater’s newer projection system features a fish-eye lens that can display digital simulations of the sky and mimic celestial movements. Astronomy nights, or public shows, are held on the first and third Thursday of each month when the university is in session.
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum
Poughkeepsie
View this post on Instagram
At Poughkeepsie’s Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, there are always scientific experiences for kids to explore. On select days throughout the month, the museum features a show in its portable planetarium that captivates young astronomers with lessons and mesmerizing laser light shows that teach about the cosmos.
Smolen Observatory
SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz
View this post on Instagram
After viewing an indoor show at the John R. Kirk Planetarium, New Paltz visitors can make their way over to the Smolen Observatory to observe the sky in real time. The building is also open on the first and third Thursday of each month for Astronomy Night, and anyone who is interested in outer space can use the observatory’s telescope to view it on clear nights.
Related: Candlelight Concerts Are a Slice of Music Magic in the Hudson Valley
