Welcome to the SBVC Planetarium

Named for George F. Beattie, a long time SBVC math and astronomy professor, the Planetarium opened in Fall 1977. In addition to being used as a teaching facility, public shows are generally held twice a month on Friday evenings. The Planetarium also provides programs during the day for local school groups by appointment.

 

Shows at the Planetarium

  • All shows are 7 p.m. Fridays.
  • See Calendar of Events below. 
  • Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and there is no late seating.
  • The one-hour shows are presented September through May, generally twice a month. 


Upcoming Shows


Friday April 19th, 2024: Meet the Moon

    • Doors open at 6:30p show starts at 7:00p followed by Q&A and telescopes.
    • This show is FREE. After a long break, the Planetarium will be back in action with Chris Clarke and the new Planetarium Production & Presentation Coordinator, Wayne “Major Tom” Varden.
    • Bring your hearts and minds and eyes to the Beattie Planetarium (PL) and learn about our nearest neighbor in space, the Moon. If you have questions about anything in space, Chris and Major Tom have answers!

About

Planetarium Specialist Chris Clarke has been involved with the facility since early 1978 when he was a student in the program.  He became an astronomy teaching assistant in 1979. In early 1980 he began producing and presenting shows to both students and the public.

His interest in astronomy started as a young boy in Rialto. Clarke pursued that interest by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master’s Degree in Graphic Design from California State University, Fullerton. Clarke was a graphic artist at General Dynamics in Rancho Cucamonga for six years while still producing shows at SBVC.

In 1992, SBVC hired him as the full-time Planetarium Production and Presentation Specialist.

"When you’re producing shows, you need that artistic ability," said Clarke.