breadcrumbs-home chemeketa-community-college-abstract-logo chemeketa-community-college-abstract-logo cross minus plus menu search oregon chemeketa-instagram chemeketa-logo-full-color envelope-o star check close home chevron-left chevron-right plus2 chevron-up chevron-down twitter facebook envelope linkedin angle-left angle-right angle-up angle-down rotate-left instagram
Jump to Header Jump to Main Navigation and Secondary Navigation Jump to main content Jump to Footer

Never stop discovering

Chemeketa's Planetarium

Offering public shows most Friday evenings during fall, winter, and spring terms.

Discover Chemeketa's Planetarium 

Welcome to the Chemeketa Community College Planetarium, Salem’s window to the cosmos since 1977. Our facility seats 60 people under a 35-foot dome where realistic images of stars, planets, sun and moon are projected onto the ceiling for visitors to study and enjoy.

Each year, we offer four or five different shows that address topics ranging from our solar system, our galaxy of stars, and the universe of galaxies.

Every show includes a brief introduction that explores the nighttime sky over Salem during this season of the year.

Current Show

Ring World

Saturn is the true “Lord of the Rings.”  After a seven-year journey from earth, the two-story Cassini spacecraft began orbiting Saturn in July 2004.  This mission of exploration ended in September 2017 following a successful close-up look at the planet and a final descent into it. Join us as we celebrate the many new images captured by Cassini over a 13-year period.  See Saturn now in this full dome presentation.

Friday Show Dates: January 9, 16, 23, & 30; February 6, 13, 20, & 27; March 6 & 13

Visitor Information

FAQ

  • Is your facility accessible?

    Yes, the Planetarium has two dedicated wheelchair accessible spots, and is located near both a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible restrooms for easy navigation.

  • Are shows suitable for children?

    Yes, our planetarium shows are kid-friendly.

  • Can I bring food and drinks?

    Food and drinks are NOT allowed inside the Planetarium, except for water bottles that can be sealed.

  • How do I buy tickets?

    Tickets are sold at the door, beginning 20 minutes before showtime.

    We do not offer prepaid tickets.

  • Can I make a reservation?

    We do not take reservations.

    Seating is first-come, first-served with a maximum capacity of 60 people.

  • What if I'm running late?

    For the best experience and safety in the dark theater, late admission is not permitted once the show has begun.

Private Shows

The Chemeketa Planetarium offers private showings for schools, clubs, and other groups outside of our regular Friday public schedule. These sessions are ideal for class field trips and other groups looking for a customized experience.

For information and scheduling, email the Planeterium.