The Planetarium and Observatory
Planetarium shows covering national curriculum subjects and space science and astronomy topics are available for school and group visits.

Based at South Tyneside College, the planetarium displays a simulated night sky for any time of the year from anywhere on earth with auxiliary projectors to demonstrate phases of the moon, motion of the planets and eclipses. There is live commentary from a qualified astronomer who is available to answer questions at the end of shows. The observatory allows direct viewing of the sky again with a qualified astronomer as a guide.

Address: South Tyneside College, St George's Avenue, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 6ET
Contact: South Tyneside College
Telephone: 0191 4273589
Fax: 0191 4273646
Website: www.stc.ac.uk
E-mail: astro@stc.ac.uk

Average length of visit: 2 hours
Ideal pupil to staff ratio: 15:1
Minimum group number: 10
Maximum group number: 75 pupils
Educational Group rate: £1.50 per head
Opening times: Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 9.00pm, Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Disabled Access: Access by stairs only

Educational Content

Facilities and Provisions for Groups:
Access guide available
Activity/work sheets
Education Officer/service
Loan box
Shop
Teacher/Pupil packs
Telescope hire service is available
Toilets
Welcome talk/guided tour

The Planetarium and Observatory welcomes pre-visits by teachers and offers in-service training in astronomy upon request.

School shows are based on national curriculum subjects, but shows on other topics can be produced such as the environment, mathematics, foreign languages, history etc if sufficient notice is given.