Bassett Planetarium plaque

Programs

Our educational programs are suitable for all ages. We cover:

  • Basic orbital mechanics of the planets using an orrery
  • The apparent motions of the planets, sun and moon in our sky
  • Explanations of meridian, zenith, ecliptic and celestial coordinates
  • Solstices and equinoxes (for older groups)
  • Identification of the common constellations, and asterisms, their lore and mythology
  • Finding the sweet spot for solar panels at any latitude

We end with some time to answer questions about astronomy, space travel and life on other planets.

Ask an Astronomer - Cornell University

We at the Bassett Planetarium have looked far and wide for a best place to ask that burning question that you might have about astronomy.  A great place to visit is the Ask an Astronomer website at Cornell. 

Educational Resources from NASA

Educators are just one click away from accessing information on NASA topics and programs. An alphabetical index is available on all of the "For Educators" pages on NASA's Web site, http://www.nasa.gov. Choose from NASA educational resources, programs and projects, mission information, multimedia, NASA history, aeronautics, space science, Earth science, space operations, the Vision for Space Exploration and much more.

Educational Resources from WGBH PBS Learning

WGBH in collaboration with NASA presents digital media resources you can use to teach topics in K–12 Earth and Space Science. These free resources are organized into four grade bands. Each resource emphasizes engaging students in phenomena related to core ideas and science and engineering practices of the Next Generation Science Standards.

Local Astronomical Organizations

Digitarium Resources

Attachment Size
Digitarium Checklist 56.61 KB
Digitarium Internal Media Index 171.46 KB
Digitarium Internal Media 5.42 MB
Complete Digitarium Manual with Codes 11.6 MB
Digitarium iPad and Laptop Universal interface 1.1 MB
Hubble Telescope Images from Internal Media Descriptions 61.78 KB