Planetarium

SF State’s Astronomy faculty are widely recognized for their pioneering “exoplanet-hunting” research conducted on campus and in partnership with NASA. Each year, more than 700 SF State students and nearly 1,500 Bay Area residents and K-12 students benefit from their expertise through classes and programs offered in SF State’s planetarium. Built in 1973, the planetarium is one of the few in the country to offer free educational shows to the public featuring a fully interactive experience led by a live presenter.

Consider making a gift to the Department of Physics & Astronomy fund for the Friends of the Planetarium.  

The Friends of the Planetarium is a group of supporters who provide annual planetarium gifts with a multi-year commitment. You can make one-time, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual gifts to the Planetarium by check or credit card. Your participation as a Friend of the Planetarium will help fund evening planetarium shows, the purchase of a new projector, and expand free programs and outreach to K-12 community schools. Modernization of the planetarium will ensure SF State remains at the forefront of astronomical teaching, research, and community engagement. 

Donations are made to the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Please note “Friends of the Planetarium” as a description of your gift. Any and all contributions, regardless of size, are welcome and play an important role in the success of SF State’s Charles F. Hagar Planetarium.

The goal for the Planetarium renovation is $1,500,000.

Professor discussing the Planetarium in class

A peek into the wonders of SF State's Planetarium.

SF State’s planetarium is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. But for more than four decades, it’s been a launchpad for careers in astronomy and science education and a catalyst for learning about space.

College of Science and Engineering Funding Initiatives

A plethora of graduating students

Scholarships

Scholarships provide much-needed support to students to defray the cost of attending University.

Child at Discovery Day

Estuary & Ocean Science Center

The Center supports the study of San Francisco Bay and develops solutions to the environmental problems confronting coastal communities.

Diligent student working on project

Student Enrichment Opportunities Office

SEO promotes diversity in the field of science and offers paid fellowships to undergraduate and graduate students.

Scientist hard at work

Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)

SF State WISE provides opportunities for women in STEM fields to learn from and support one another through presentations, workshops, and the establishment of mentoring communities.

For more information about donating to the Planetarium, contact:

Holly Fincke ( She/Her/Hers )
Senior Director of Development
College of Science and Engineering
(415) 338-7118