Shows using the new GOTO Chronos star projector and all-dome video system are available during the college's fall and spring semesters on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for school field trips at a special field trip price. Please see the Public Shows page for other uses of the Planetarium at other times. Each show includes a tour of the evening sky pointing out the major constellations, an all-dome video show, and question-answer time with our resident astronomer, Nick Strobel.
Per the California Department of Public Health K-12 Guidance for the 2022-23 School Year -- it is strongly recommended that all students, parents, teachers, adults, etc. be masked while inside the Planetarium. We urge anyone who is not yet vaccinated, or up-to-date with their boosters, to receive their free vaccination as soon as you are eligible.
Read the school groups “Rules and Regulations” information.
This includes payment and refund policies. No food or drink (except bottled water) allowed inside the planetarium.
We want to make your presentation an enjoyable event. Please keep in mind some of the rules and regulations that we need for you to follow and remember.
The information you will need to schedule your school's presentation through the online reservation form is:
Remember: the dates and times you give in the reservation form are not guaranteed. The Bakersfield College Planetarium has to confirm your appointment via email.
Planetarium shows are on Tuesdays and Thursdays mornings at 10:00 and 11:30 AM. Shows are about one hour long. We do not have shows during final exams, winter recess or winter holidays. See what openings are available on Step 2. Please see the Public Shows page for other uses of the Planetarium at other times.
Finally, all groups are subject to the policies and procedures of the Business Services section in the KCCD Board Policy Manual (PDF document -- go to page 66 for Facilities usage).
As a convenience, please see an excerpt from the Board Policy manual that deals with facilities usage (excerpt from Business Services Board Policy Manual as of December 9, 2010). (PDF of p. 66 to 80).
Check the Planetarium Fieldtrip Calendar for an available slot.
Planetarium shows for school field trips are given on Tuesday and Thursday mornings only at either 10:00 or 11:30 - please choose an available Tuesday or Thursday morning slot with the reservation form. There are no evening or afternoon presentations at the present time. Maximum of 72 people per show. Planetarium Show Reservation Form.
Planetarium field trip calendar is now using the Google calendar tool.
Planetarium shows for school field trips are given on Tuesday and Thursday mornings only at either 10:00 or 11:30 - please choose an available Tuesday or Thursday morning slot with the reservation form. There are no evening or afternoon presentations at the present time. Maximum of 72 people per show.
Getting Here
The Planetarium entrance will be open for your group 5-10 minutes before your scheduled show. The Planetarium is on the second floor, northwest corner of the Math-Science Building. Get directions on our new map. Buses usually park in the SW parking lot off of University, west of the stadium. See the Map Page for disabled access and where to get a one-day parking pass. Select the map image to download a PDF copy of it to your computer