MONT ALTO, Pa. — A trip through the night sky is just a few steps away at Penn State Mont Alto this fall. Visitors can explore constellations, planets and other celestial objects through immersive planetarium shows, virtual programming, and weather-dependent star parties.
Hosted by Kim Herrmann, associate professor of physics and astronomy at Penn State Mont Alto, the Evening Series is free and open to the public. Programs will be offered in person and virtually, with star parties scheduled as weather permits.
During the evening shows, visitors can explore constellations and other features of the night sky, take virtual trips around solar system objects and view astronomy-themed, full-dome videos inside Penn State Mont Alto's portable planetarium.
Attendees may bring a pillow for floor seating. Plastic chairs and foam mats also will be available.
Fall 2026 Evening Series
Oct. 8 Star Party
Thursday, Oct. 8, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the field between Orchard Road and GSB parking
Oct 22 and 23 in-person Planetarium Shows
Location for both shows: Allied Health Building, White Box
- Thursday, Oct. 22 — 7-7:45 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 23 — 8-8:45 p.m.
Note: The Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. show is nearly full, so a second show was added at 8 p.m.
All events are free and open to the public. Advance registration is required for planetarium shows at this link.
Registration and additional information for all Evening Series shows is available online.
Oct. 24 Planetarium open house and virtual show
The portable planetarium also will be featured during the Penn State Mont Alto Homecoming event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, when visitors can experience the planetarium in an open-house format. The open-house program is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.
For those unable to attend the immersive planetarium show in person, Herrmann will host a virtual option at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, via Zoom.
More information about the portable planetarium and how it works can be found in the Penn State News feature, “Hidden Gems: Mont Alto planetarium.”
Star parties information
Star parties will feature telescope viewing and guided tours of the night sky using laser pointers. Events will be scheduled several days in advance when forecasts indicate favorable viewing conditions.
The star parties will be held between approximately 7:30 p.m. to approximately 10 p.m. in the field between Orchard Road and the General Studies Building parking lot on the Penn State Mont Alto campus.
Because clear skies are essential for telescope viewing, dates will be announced several days in advance based on weather conditions. Precipitation, cloud cover, or extremely cold temperatures may result in cancellation.
Attendees should dress for outdoor temperatures and consider bringing layers, jackets, hats and gloves during colder weather.
Those interested in attending a fall star party or helping identify possible dates can complete the star party interest form.
Multiple telescopes may be available courtesy of the TriState Astronomers, a local amateur astronomy club.
For more information about Penn State Mont Alto's Evening Series, contact Kim Herrmann at kah259@psu.edu.