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Como Planetarium is a 55-seat planetarium that specializes in educational experiences. We have been in operation since 1975 and we operate both our 'classic' star ball and an updated system. We are located at Como Elementary School (780 W Wheelock Pkwy, St. Paul, MN 55117). Our system provides the opportunity for visitors to take virtual trips through the solar system, as well as enjoy interactive lessons. Public programs on select Tuesday evenings and by appointment.
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Public Tuesday Night Programs (See 'Upcoming Programs' for more details)
April 18, 4:30, 5:30 & 7 p.m. - Our Solar System and NASA Missions (NEW PreK time added!)
May 2, 7 p.m. - Summer Skies
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Como Planetarium
We will resume hosting programs in September 2022. To request a program for a group, please fill out this form.
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Public Programs
Public Tuesday Nights
April 18, 4:30 (NEW) & 5:30 (SOLD OUT) p.m. -
Our Solar System and NASA Missions Preschoolers and Families
Take a tour of our nearest neighbors- the planets! Explore the solar system and everything in between through the lens of NASA’s historical missions.4:30 REGISTER
5:30 REGISTER
April 18, 7 p.m. - Our Solar System and NASA Missions
Take a tour of our nearest neighbors- the planets! Explore the solar system and everything in between through the lens of NASA’s historical missions. This program is designed for people of all ages. REGISTERMay 2, 7 p.m. - Summer Skies
What is in the sky for summer? Explore the events to watch this summer with our planetarium. We will guide you through what to look for, and where and when to watch astronomical events of the summer. Take a sneak peek at the sky with the planetarium. REGISTER -
Group Availability
Schedule a time to visit the planetarium on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 2:30-4:30. Minimum group size is 10 visitors at $6 per person. Contact Sarah Weaver for availability (sarah.weaver@spps.org)
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Saint Paul Public School Visits
Saint Paul Public School Visits
Como Planetarium is part of Saint Paul Public Schools (ISD 625). Our physical building is currently OPEN for SPPS students!
Teachers can register for an onsite field trip HERE!
(SPPS virtual field trips can also be scheduled for online schools here).
Attending the planetarium in person is highly beneficial for student learning.
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Virtual Field Trips
Virtual programs are available to schools both within and outside St. Paul Public Schools (ISD 625). Please contact Sarah Weaver (sarah.weaver@spps.org) to schedule a virtual experience for students. We served over 15,000 members of the community in the 2019-2020 school year!
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COVID Information
Como Planetarium limits COVID exposures by:
1. Being an SPPS site run by a SPPS teacher- all district protocols apply, including cleaning, distancing and vaccination/testing personnel.
2. Potential for hosting only one classroom at a time in a space designed to hold twice as many people (built for 55 people). Social distancing can be maintained
3. Using a separate building entrance for the planetarium field trips-students. This enables field trip students to have no contact with any other personnel or students from the rest of the building.
4. Having students bring their own iPads to eliminate a shared touch surface and increase the interaction for the lesson.