Fleischmann Planetarium — Attraction in Reno

With all this rain we've be getting lately, Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center is a perfect place to go to. I've been coming to the Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center since 1985. Here is another jewel in the crown of UNR. I worked here while I was in college at UNR. It's been updated and parking is now just a high walk across in the newer parking garage. Fleischmann Planetarium is part of the University of Nevada, Reno and Extended Studies. It has outstanding shows for all ages. Outstanding exhibits. Outstanding customer service. Outstanding school field trips. It's available for cool get-togethers like a birthday party or business event. Bathroom is clean. Remember to get your parking ticket validated. Or, take Sierra Spirit and walk into it. Has comet and asteroid and moon and sun eclipse watching groups so check the schedule often. Here is where I come right after Thanksgiving for Christmas presents for family and friends although if I see something cool during my several times a year visits, I buy it and stash it away for also birthday gifts.

Public telescope viewing is scheduled at the Fleischmann Planetarium between 8 and 10 p.m. on these dates (weather permitting; please call ahead):

June 7 June 28 July 5 July 26 Aug. 2 Aug. 23 Sept. 6 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 22 Dec. 6 Dec. 27

The Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center has a very cool history.

"The Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium was built in 1963 on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. It was the first planetarium in the United States to feature a 360-degree projector capable of providing horizon-to-horizon images and through time-lapse photography showing an entire day's weather in a few minutes.

Both the design and function of the planetarium reflect the futuristic focus of the space age during which it was built. Its Populuxe style of architecture is characterized by designs that depict motion, such as boomerangs, flying saucers, atoms, and parabola. Reno architect Raymond Hellman designed a striking hyperbolic paraboloid structure in which form follows function.

Max C. Fleischmann, a yeast and gin industry tycoon, moved to Nevada from California in 1935. Following his death in 1951, through 1980, the Max C. Fleischmann Foundation funded over $19 million in building projects on campus, including the planetarium, named in honor of Fleischmann's parents according to...

Took the little ones to see this month's NightSky program but it had been moved to the Redfield campus. We did catch another show and then explored the upstairs exhibit.

The dome is on the smaller side but will still hold a fair number of people. The seats are that plasticy, leather material and so will squeak if it contacts your skin and you are shifting about.

The exhibit was pretty interesting. The kids really enjoyed it and so did this mom & dad. There are samples of meteorites on display and some you can even touch. We didn't get to explore it throughly but not an issue since we bought an annual pass.

The staff was very friendly, polite, and courteous. They were nice enough to ask if we wanted to see the show and then hold it a couple minutes so we could get the kids sorted to go in.

There is free parking. The only downside is that you may need to get a parking pass from the counter as the parking garage is predominantly UNR parking. Not a major issue, just going to be a bit annoying about our 3rd or 4th visit with a passel of kids to manage. So, having one to keep handy in the car would be kind of nice. But, certainly, not a deal-breaker.

They do have tables and vending machines on the lower level. So, if you want to bring a snack you may. As is common with most planetatiums, no food is allowed in the dome, so plan...

We enjoyed our visit to the Fleischmann Planetarium at the University of Nevada, Reno. After a bit of a confusing climb up the parking garage, we found the entrance and explored the exhibits, which were fascinating — especially the displays on spaceflight, the solar system, and flight principles like lift, drag, thrust, and weight.

One highlight was seeing a letter prepared for the Apollo astronauts in case they didn’t return from the moon. We also loved a video that showed the size and scale of the solar system using a desert model — a very eye-opening experience.

We attended the “Adventures of the Planets” show, which gave an interesting perspective on how humans might survive on other planets (mainly their moons). Before the show, they provided a helpful live overview of the Reno night sky.

The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was that part of the first floor was unavailable due to a private party, and signage for parking and entry could be improved. Overall, it was a very educational and...