Washburn University Physics and Astronomy

05/08/2026

Fun in Circuits and Electronics lab!

Picture 1: Washburn alumnus George Phelps (Physics and Math, '71) shares some of his circuit design projects with students

Picture 2: Physics students work on their end-of-semester circuit project

04/23/2026

Apr. 23: Because of predicted severe weather, for the safety of our volunteers and guests we will not be holding an open house or showing planetarium shows tonight. This was unfortunately our last scheduled event for the academic year. Check www.washburn.edu/observatory in early August for our Fall open house schedule!

The Physics & Astronomy Department at Washburn University houses the Crane Observatory and a planetarium.

04/09/2026

UPDATE: We're sorry, but the planetarium machine is experiencing technical difficulties, and we are not able to show the video we were planning to. If you would like to see it at home, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3kR2KK8TEs .

Because of expected clouds and rain, we will be presenting planetarium shows inside on the first floor tonight. We will be open 8:00-9:30, with the last show starting around 9:00. Tonight's show will be about the Artemis II mission. Hope to see you there!

This feed will provide continuous coverage of Artemis II mission activities with live commentary, beginning with tanking of the SLS (Space Launch System) roc...

03/26/2026

Because of expected high winds, we will be presenting planetarium shows inside on the first floor tonight. We will be open 8:00-9:30, with the last show starting around 9:10. If the wind is not too bad next to the building, we will also have a couple of the smaller telescopes outside the south doors of Stoffer near the planetarium. Hope to see you there!

03/12/2026

Because of expected high winds, we will be presenting planetarium shows inside on the first floor tonight. We will be open 8:00-9:30, with the last show starting around 9:10. Hope to see you there!

02/26/2026

Skies are forecast to be clear tonight, so we will be in the observatory! We'll be looking at the Moon, Jupiter, the Orion Nebula, and more! Come see us any time between 6:30 and 8:00!

On Thursday, Feb. 12, Crane Observatory on the fourth floor of Stoffer Hall welcomed visitors for its biweekly open house, where guests lined up from 6:30-8 p.m. to observe Jupiter...

02/12/2026

Skies are forecast to be mostly clear tonight, so we will be in the observatory! We'll be looking at Saturn, Jupiter, the Orion Nebula, and more! Come see us any time between 6:30 and 8:00!

01/08/2026

Washburn's Spring semester starts soon, which means it's almost time for Open Houses at Crane Observatory! Even if it’s cloudy and there is no observing, there will still be a planetarium show. For more information, see www.washburn.edu/observatory

12/04/2025

Skies are forecast to be clear tonight, so we will be in the observatory! However, because of the cold and wind, we will only have the one telescope inside running. But, if you want to see the full "Cold Super Moon" through the antique telescope, come see us any time between 6:30 and 8:00!

11/20/2025

The forecast shows cloudy skies, so we will be presenting planetarium shows tonight. Come see what the stars and planets would look like if we could see them! We will be open 6:30-8:00, with the last show starting around 7:40.