Name: Homeschool Field Trip: JMU Planetarium
Start: 2026-03-24T11:00:00-04:00
Location: John C. Wells Planetarium

JMU Planetarium Field Trip
Tuesday, March 24 | Arrive by 10:55am for an 11:00am start
Join us for a visit to the John C. Wells Planetarium at JMU to watch Ancient Skies. This immersive show explores how Neolithic civilizations used engineering, astronomy, and spiritual traditions to understand the world around them. Through time-lapse footage, CGI, rare alignment events, and insights from leading researchers, we’ll learn how ancient skywatchers laid the foundations for modern science.
The program will last approximately one hour and will include the full-dome film and a live, seasonal discussion of the night sky as seen here in the Valley.
There are a few parking decks nearby with the Mason Street Parking Deck being the closest to the planetarium. Please allow time to find parking and to arrive on time.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. The cost will be $3 per person ages 4+ (including adults), ages 3 and under are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Register here: https://rawlearning.info/jmu-planetarium-field-trip/
“Please note: The John C. Wells planetarium strives to bring cutting-edge science to JMU as well as to the larger Shenandoah Valley community. Hence, the planetarium staff presents established science that is based on consensus from the scientific community. We will present the scientific evidence on topics such as climate change, evolution, age of the Earth, the Big Bang, and the age of the Universe. All of our full dome shows, activities, and live star talks make reference to and begin with the premise that the age of the Universe is 13.8 billion years old, and that our Sun and the Solar System formed ~5 billions years ago. Our staff will not alter their presentations when discussing what some may consider controversial science topics.”
Location: John C Wells Planetarium 91 East Grace Street Harrisonburg, Va. 22807