# 40 See The Stars at a Planetarium
The Southworth Planetarium in Portland was built in 1969, when the new Science Building was constructed on the University of Southern Maine campus. The Planetarium was originally equipped with only a star projector, theater seating, and one slide projector. Since then, the 30 foot dome has grown to include over 50 slide and special effects projectors, 3 video projectors, an all-sky system, a state-of-the-art laser system, digital sound system, and a new star projector.
In 1989, the old Spitz star projector was removed and replaced with a Zeiss/Jena ZKP-2. The installation took two weeks and was done by an East German technician who spoke no English! The new star projector shows the night sky realistically with over 5000 stars, plus the Moon, Sun, and planets.
New theater seating was installed in November 1995, replacing what were undoubtedly the most uncomfortable chairs in the world.
The Southworth Planetarium attracts over 18,000 people annually. School children, young people and adults have experienced the wonder of the universe in our star theater.
Southworth offers Shows, Group Shows, Classes, Memberships, Kids programs and more.
I-295 NORTH OR SOUTH: Take Exit 6B. Go west (straight) on Forest Avenue to the second light. Turn left onto Falmouth Street. The Planetarium is on the left in the Science Building on the USM campus. Parking: There is on-street parking on Falmouth Street. A special parking place for busses is now available next to the Science Building.
TURNPIKE: Take exit 7 to I-295 north and follow directions above.
Call 1-207-780-4249 for more information.
Evening Astronomy Shows
Fridays
7:00 P.M.
Adult Child Senior USM
$6.00 $5.00 $5.00 Free
Both Evening Shows
Fridays
7:00 & 8:30 P.M.
Adult Child Senior USM
$9.00 $8.00 $8.00 $4.00
http://www.usm.maine.edu/planet/
The Maynard F. Jordan Observatory is located next to the Memorial Union on the University of Maine campus in Orono. The Observatory is an integral part of the curriculum in the department of physics and Astronomy, and is frequently used by students, faculty, and the general public. It is the only public observatory in the state of Maine.
The Jordan Observatory is open for public viewing on many CLEAR Friday and Saturday evenings, from 8 pm to 10 pm September to April.
The Maynard F. Jordan Observatory is one of the oldest buildings on the University of Maine campus; it was originally built in 1900, when the University of Maine was only known as the Maine State College. Visit the Observatory History page to learn more about the history of this unique and important part of the UMaine campus, or take the Observatory Tour and see what the Maynard F. Jordan Observatory offers today.
