*Southworth Planetarium*
University of Southern Maine
96 Falmouth Street
Portland, Maine 04103
(207) 780-4249
usm.maine.edu/planet

Greetings!
As you likely surmised from the subject line, the Southworth Planetarium at
the University of Southern Maine is open!    We've been open all summer
and, as far as we know, will remain open throughout the school year and
beyond.

We understand that your life is a maelstrom of activity so we'll come right
to the point.     The Southworth Planetarium would LOVE to host your group
at our facility.    We are not solely astronomical anymore.  We offer shows
about a variety of other topics, including  Dinosaurs ("Dinosaurs at
Dusk"), the human body ("The Body Code"), the human brain ("Neurodome"),
evolution ("Natural Selection), ecosystems ("Habitat Earth"), geology
("Earthquake"), oceanography "Into the Deep")  and more.  Just for fun, we
also offer "Space Park 360: Infinity," thrill rides through the solar
system. (Not for the faint of heart!)

If you have young students, we have many fun and educational programs for
children, such as  "Rusty Rocket's Last Blast!",  "Larry Cat in Space,"
"Moles: What is Out There,"  "Molecularium," "The Little Star That Could,"
and "Lars the Little Polar Bear."

You may request a brochure by sending a reply with your name and address.
Also, we have included a Q/A section that we hope will prove helpful.
If you have any questions at all, please contact me:  (207) 780-4249;
[log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>

*Where are you actually located?*
The planetarium facility is in the basement of the Science building
on the University of Southern Maine's Portland campus. The building number
is 70 Falmouth Street.
Directions:  www.usm.maine.edu/planet/directions
*What about parking?!*
There is a "buses only" parking space directly outside the science building.
Also, if you have multiple vehicles, you may park directly on Falmouth
Street where the planetarium is located.
Parking page:   www.usm.maine.edu/planet/parking

*How many people can you accommodate?*
We have 62 fixed seats.

*What if I have more than 80 students/people?*
Well, we can divide your group into two sections.  While one group is in
the star dome watching the show, we can give the other students the
"Gallery Quest" in which they seek out information in the museum section of
our facility.

*When are you open?*
You may have a show at any time between 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. provided the space
is available.

*May we have any show we want? What are the show choices?*
Yes, you may choose any show.
We now offer more than 30 show options.
You can see the list here:
https://usm.maine.edu/planet/setting-group-show-teachers

*What is the reservation procedure?  May I reserve on-line?*
Unfortunately, you can't reserve on-line, yet.  However, you may call us at
207-780-4249 or e-mail me at [log in to unmask]
<[log in to unmask]> to reserve a date and time.

*Could I reserve a date and time and then decide on the show later?*
Absolutely.

*How much notice do you need for a cancellation?  Is there a cancellation
fee?*
You may cancel even at the last minute. We never charge a cancellation
fee.  We understand that sometimes situations don't work out for whatever
reason.

*What is included in the presentation?*
You may have the show, a night sky tour and a question/answer period, as
well.
We include night sky tours in our simulated star dome theatre even
if the selected show is not astronomical.

*How much notice do you require?*
Very little.  You may even make same day reservations if you would like to
do so, provided the space you want is available.

*Are you handicapped accessible?*
Yes.  One can enter the planetarium in an elevator.
A staff member will be happy to assist any student in attaining access to
our facility.
*How much does it cost?*
IF YOU WANT TO SEE ONE SHOW:
If you have 12 students or fewer, the charge is $75 for the group.
If you have 13 students or more, the charge is $6.00 per student.
All teachers and other adult chaperones are admitted free of charge.

IF YOU WANT TO SEE TWO SHOWS:
If you have 12 students or fewer, the charge would be $120.00 for the group
If you have 13 students or more, the charge would be $10 per student
All teachers and other adult chaperones are admitted free of charge.

*Is it possible to receive a 30-day invoice?*
We'ld be glad to offer this invoice instead of immediate payment if that
would be the more convenient option.

*Do you offer an e-mail list-serve?*
Yes, it is called "The Daily Astronomer."  You may subscribe for free
at the following link:
https://lists.maine.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=DAILY-ASTRONOMER&A=
<https://lists.maine.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=DAILY-ASTRONOMER&A=1>
Subscribers receive daily (M-F) articles about astronomy.

Thank you for reading.
Again, contact me at any time if you have questions.

--
Edward X. Herrick-Gleason
Director
Southworth Planetarium
70 Falmouth Street     Portland, Maine 04103
(207) 780-4249
Cell (207) 409-8353
usm.maine.edu/planet
                 ""The diversity of the phenomena of nature is so great,
and the treasures hidden in the heavens so rich, precisely in order that
the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment."   -Johannes
Kepler