The Diablo Valley College Planetarium offers an immersive, 360-degree journey through the universe, bringing celestial events to life for students and visitors alike. Through guided simulations, it enhances learning by visualizing astronomical concepts such as planetary orbits, eclipses, and stellar evolution.
One of the planetarium’s greatest advantages is its ability to enhance classroom learning through controlled, guided simulations. Unlike outdoor stargazing, the planetarium provides unobstructed, crystal-clear views of constellations, planets, and deep-space objects.
Students can even participate in a unique form of “time travel” to witness celestial changes over minutes, hours, or even thousands of years. This feature helps explain complex concepts like retrograde motion, planetary shifts, and the life cycles of stars.
Beyond education, the planetarium sparks curiosity and wonder. “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,” said Bonnie Chi, a DVC student and astronomy tutor. “It is beautiful and humbling while inspiring.”
Located between the Life Sciences and Science & Technology buildings, the planetarium is easily accessible from Lot 4 along Stubbs Road. Whether you're a student or simply a space enthusiast, the DVC Planetarium offers a breathtaking journey through the universe, making astronomy more engaging and accessible than ever.
