The Astronaut Memorial Planetarium & Observatory is an astronomy attraction at 1519 Clearlake Road in Cocoa, Florida. Its facilities have included a planetarium theater, public observatory and exhibit areas, but you should confirm that it is operating before planning a visit.
- Location: 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, Florida 32922
- Also known as: Eastern Florida State College Planetarium and Observatory
- Before traveling: confirm the venue’s operating status and program details with Eastern Florida State College
What does the Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory offer?
The venue has been described as a planetarium theater, public observatory, exhibit areas and educational facilities. A tourism listing also mentions star shows, a three-story IWERKS movie theater, laser shows, a hands-on demonstration hall and a museum honoring space explorers.
A NASA area-attractions guide described the planetarium’s dome as 70 feet across and the observatory as having a 24-inch (61-centimeter) telescope. These details give a sense of the facility’s astronomy focus, but they do not confirm which spaces or programs are currently available.
The same tourism listing describes the observatory as fully accessible. Cocoa Village is another local stop covered in this Cocoa Village visitor guide.
What shows and observing programs can you attend?
Past descriptions include planetarium star shows and public observatory access, but current showtimes and observing programs need to be confirmed directly with Eastern Florida State College. A NASA guide from 2003 listed a schedule that is historical, so it should not be used to plan a visit now.
Before setting out, ask the college which programs are operating and whether the observatory will be open to the public on your intended visit.
That helps you plan around the venue’s current schedule rather than relying on older listings. If space-related attractions are part of a longer trip, the Kennedy Space Center day trip from Cocoa is another option to plan around.
How do admission, schedules and reservations work?
For current admission prices, show schedules and reservation requirements, contact Eastern Florida State College before traveling, especially if you are arranging a group visit or field trip.
Older guidance said planetarium shows had an admission charge and that group and field-trip access to some facilities was available by reservation. Those historical terms do not establish today’s prices or booking process.
How do you get to the planetarium from Cocoa?
The venue is at 1519 Clearlake Road in Cocoa. From Apollo Inn - Cocoa, the drive takes about 11 minutes; the walk is about 88 minutes. A one-day Cocoa itinerary can help you put this visit alongside other local sights. Confirm the venue’s operating status and current visit arrangements with Eastern Florida State College before you go.
Before you go: check the official site before you go, using Eastern Florida State College’s site for current operating status, schedules and admission details.
FAQs
What is the planetarium also called?
It is also referred to as the Eastern Florida State College Planetarium and Observatory.
What is the address?
The address is 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, Florida 32922.
Can you visit the observatory?
The venue has been described as having a public observatory, but confirm its current public access and operating status with Eastern Florida State College before traveling.