The Diablo Valley College planetarium immerses students in dynamic, 360-degree simulations of celestial events, making astronomical concepts tangible through clear, guided explorations of the night sky.
What does the planetarium offer?
Enhanced Visualization
Helps students observe celestial objects, motions, and awe-inspiring events like eclipses in a controlled setting, reinforcing classroom concepts.
Immersive Learning
A 360-degree projection and realistic night sky simulations make abstract astronomical ideas more tangible and engaging.
"Time Travel"
Enables students to witness celestial changes over minutes, hours, or millennia, deepening their understanding of planetary orbits, retrograde motion, and stellar evolution.
Unobstructed Views
Unlike outdoor observations, it offers a pristine, clear view of the sky, simplifying the study of constellations, planets, and deep-space objects.
Curiosity and Engagement
Dynamic exploration of the universe through guided simulations of astronomical phenomena, including solar and lunar eclipses and planetary orbits.
Did You Know?
The planetarium is one of the oldest buildings on the DVC Pleasant Hill campus, originally opening in November of 1960. Initial planning for the building preceded Russia's launching of its first Sputnik satellite by five months. The original science center, containing a museum, planetarium and astronomy building, were the first of their kind in any public school system in the nation. After this science center was built, UC Berkeley, following the lead of the Contra Costa Community College District, developed the Lawrence Hall of Science.
Watching the shows and lectures is almost as if I were in the open fields getting the best view of the sky I’ve ever seen or taking a tour through the cosmos that mankind hasn’t been able to achieve yet. It is beautiful and humbling while inspiring.
Bonnie Chi DVC student and astronomy tutor
After visiting the planetarium, my look at the sky became different. I began to take every chance to look at the clear sky at night and recall all that I had seen there. I am planning to get a telescope to enjoy looking at the sky at night.
Mohamed Kabadaya Parent of current student
I enjoyed the experience so much, since my childhood,I have loved looking at the night sky. This experience created a passion for knowing more about the space.
Maisa Elnabtiti Parent of current student
Visiting the planetarium
The planetarium is located at the top of the hill, in between the Life Sciences and Science & Technology buildings. The best place to park is Lot 4, along Stubbs Rd.
Campus Tours