Lydig Planetarium
About The Lydig Planetarium
The Lydig Planetarium is a fully digital planetarium using 6 projectors and running World Wide Telescope - an open scource project originally started by Mirosoft Research.
World Wide Telescope allows the planetarium to project not only the night sky, but also a 3D model of the solar system as well as coordinate systems and overlays of constellations. The planetarium was built as part of the Science Phase II construction project (now formally known as Discovery Hall) completed by Lydig in 2015. The space was designed to be used for planetarium shows as well as lectures and has a maximum occupancy of 82 people.
Planetarium Shows
Public planetarium shows are offered by the CWU astronomy club as part of their "Star Party" outreach events and by members of the community. For information on when star parties are held, please veiw Astronomy Events or CWU Astronomy Club Facebook
Please fill out the application to request a group showing.
Name-A-Seat Campaign
Each seat in the planetarium is equipped with an engraveable plaque and can be customized by individuals.
Have someting you want to say to the world? Want to commemorate a loved one? Or maybe you just have a witty astronomical quip? Then take a look at the Lydig Planetarium Name-A-Seat Campaign.
2026 Planetarium Summer Series
We welcome the community to join us for our free summer shows at CWU's Lydig Planetarium. Each session will feature a new experience, choose from any or all of the following:
- Thursday, June 18, Constellations
- Friday, June 26, Stars
- Thursday, July 9, Nebulas
- Thursday, July 23, Galaxies
- Friday, August 7, Planets and Moons
- Friday, August 21, Spaceships, Satellites, Rovers, Probes, and More!
Time: 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Parking permits can be purchased day of shows but street parking is encouraged as parking is ample in the summer.
Questions? Please contact brittany.churchwell@cwu.edu for more information.
CWU News
CWU Trustees to hold special virtual meeting on Friday
March 17, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
Lumina Foundation grant to support high-impact practices at CWU
March 16, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
Contact Us
College of the Sciences
400 E. University Way
Dean Hall 130
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7519