APS Department

The Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences (APS) is devoted to teaching and research in astrophysics, planetary sciences, and space physics. With 45 faculty, 47 graduate students, and 135 undergraduate majors, our programs apply over $14M in research funding to exploring the planets and solar system, studying stars, galaxies, and interstellar space, and understanding the origins of the universe. APS students and faculty participate in many NASA projects, including the Hubble and Chandra space telescopes, and the Galileo, Cassini and Pluto missions. We are also engaged in designing the next generation of discoveries, in space as well as at the 3.5-meter Apache Point Observatory. Our theoretical astrophysicists ponder fundamental questions such as the formation of the first stars and galaxies, the evolution of new stars and planets, and the structure of matter around black holes. The Fiske Planetarium offers frequent shows and talks designed by APS faculty and students.

Fiske Planetarium and Science Center

Here on the beautiful campus of the University of Colorado in Boulder, science comes to life for more than 30,000 visitors each year. They discover the intriguing world of astronomy and space science at Fiske Planetarium, the largest planetarium between Chicago and Los Angeles.

Fiske provides University of Colorado students with unmatched facilities for learning astronomy, while also enabling the University to provide local schools and the general public with unparalleled opportunities to learn about astronomy and space science and the important role their university plays in these fields.

Sommers-Bausch Observatory

Sommers-Bausch Observatory serves thousands of college students, school children, members of the public, and astrophysicists each year. A 24" diameter research grade telescope occupies the large dome and is equipped with electronic CCD cameras and a spectrograph. A giant retractable roof rolls off to expose the public viewing area, with 16" and 18" diameter computer-controlled telescopes, giant binoculars, and auxiliary equipment. A solar telescope projects dramatic images and spectra of the Sun and sunspots downstairs through a hole in the roof for daytime viewing. There is also free public telescope viewing of the sky every Friday night that school is in session at CU.

All members get a quarterly "Friends of Fiske" Newsletter, which includes a guide to what's up in the sky, advance notice of and priority admission to Fiske events and unique travel programs, 25% discount at the Planetarium Store, invitation to a "Members Party" and a "Members Night" of private viewing with the Sommers-Bausch telescopes.

The following memberships support astronomy at CU, including our major telescope projects, teaching, and research discoveries, as well as improvements to Sommers-Bausch Observatory and Fiske Planetarium such as modernizing the Planetarium lobby with interactive exhibits and, eventually, creating a fully digital sky theater.

Please contact us for more details.

Solar System Membership ($75)

Get an annual pass good for single admission to all regular shows and lectures at Fiske, an additional private viewing night for Supporting Members only, invitation to regular talks (like docent lectures at a museum) by CU astronomers highlighting the latest astronomical discoveries and allowing for individual questions, and invitation to a Member Party with CU Astronomers.

Galaxy Membership ($125)

Get an annual pass good for admission for two to all regular Fiske programs throughout the year, an additional private viewing night for Supporting Members only, invitation to regular talks (like docent lectures at a museum) by CU astronomers highlighting the latest astronomical discoveries and allowing for individual questions, and invitation to a Member Party with CU Astronomers.

Universe Membership ($200)

Get an annual pass good for the whole family to all regular Fiske programs throughout the year, an additional private viewing night for Supporting Members only, invitation to regular talks (like docent lectures at a museum) by CU astronomers highlighting the latest astronomical discoveries and allowing for individual questions, and invitation to a Member Party with CU Astronomers.

Please download our Member Application Form.  Fill it out and then email or fax it back to us.

General events open to the public through CU astronomy include:

• Friday night observing at Sommers-Bausch Observatory during the school year
• Friday night Star Shows, Live Talks, and Laser Shows at Fiske Planetarium, and Saturday Family Matinees
• Special viewings and demonstrations during solar eclipses and other seasonal and annual astronomical phenomena and daylong programs during national Astronomy Day in April
• The APS Technical Symposium (more information available through the APS Department)