Fayetteville State University’s planetarium is a little known jewel, offering an opportunity for community members and students of all ages to explore the universe in an environment that offers among the most detailed, highest resolution planetarium experiences in the world. Thousands of K-12 students visit each year from throughout the Sandhills region as part of school field trips; they explore the planets in our solar system and witness super novas occurring in other galaxies. A wide variety of experiences is made available to the general public on weekends--from explorations of dark energy in the universe to in-depth and informative views of the night sky over Fayetteville. 

The FSU Planetarium has launched  an exciting new season this year, marked by the return of a unique and culturally significant show. The university will be one of only a handful of planetariums across the nation to once again offer the official 50th anniversary Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon" planetarium experience, a visually immersive event that has previously drawn audiences from across the state. This show features a full-dome presentation with space-related visuals synchronized to the iconic album, creating a memorable and almost otherworldly experience for attendees. Homecoming weekend marks the beginning of this re-launch.

Operated by the Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Materials Sciences, the planetarium has recently undergone significant upgrades, including a new display system and interior remodeling,.

Fayetteville State University’s planetarium was originally constructed in 1981 as part of the Lyons Science Building and stands out as one of the highest resolution systems of its kind in the world. The facility features a 30-foot diameter dome and seats up to 65 visitors, offering an intimate yet technologically advanced environment for exploring the cosmos. The FSU planetarium also features more pixels of light per square inch than any other planetarium in the world.

The planetarium hosts 8,000-9,000 visitors a year across all of its different programming. During its previous run, the Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon" planetarium experience drew visitors from near and far with some guests traveling from Raleigh, Asheville and even South Carolina to enjoy the show. 

Beyond public shows held every other Saturday evening, the planetarium serves as a hub for educational outreach. Thousands of K-12 students visit annually for field trips, and the facility regularly hosts programs designed to inspire interest in science and technology, including a Summer Space Camp experience, and a Saturday STEAM Team for students in grades 7-12 to explore aerospace. Plans are underway to expand these offerings, to increase the frequency and variety of programming.

Looking to the future, FSU is also building out its observatory, which is expected to be fully operational by spring. The observatory will offer hands-on opportunities for both students and community members, including accessible telescope viewing and participation in research projects such as those organized by the Center for Backyard Astrophysics.

Other hands-on programs soon to be offered to students and community members include the Exploratorium and Research Education Enrichment Facility (REEF). The Exploratorium is a hands-on exhibit featuring remote control robots on a simulated lunar surface as well as a wind tunnel and a single person hovercraft. The REEF includes aquariums (fresh and salt water), touch tanks and a newly installed aquaponics system.

With its state-of-the-art technology, recent investments and dedicated team, Fayetteville State University’s planetarium is poised to remain a leading resource for science education and community engagement in the region.