William M. Brish Planetarium

The William M. Brish Planetarium is under the jurisdiction of Washington County, Maryland, Public Schools.

Apollo Spacecraft

The William Brish Planetarium is featured at antPod.com with Skylights, a regular series of podcasts featuring a monthly sky tour, and previews of planetarium programs and special events, along with Tristate Astronomer highlights. antPod.com and Skylights are made possible by Antietam Cable Television, the Herald Mail Newspaper and the Washington County Public Schools Public Information Office.

You can now learn more about the William Brish Planetarium at the new Planetarium Weebly site.

The Planetarium is in continuous use serving students from pre-school through senior citizen. Under the direction of Chris Kopko (kopcochr@wcps.k12.md.us), all programs are presented live with active student participation.

Chris Kopko

2011-2012 Public Programs

Thank you for your support of the Washington County Planetarium. A series of public programs is presented during the school year. Here is the program lineup for the 2011-2012 school year, presented on the first and third Tuesday each month:

  • October 4 - November 28: Cowboy Astronomer - Take a tour of the night sky and learn the history of some constellations..."cowboy style!"
  • December 6 - 20: A Holiday Story - What do the stars have to do with Christmas trees, St. Nicholas and the three wise men? Find out with, "A Holiday Story!" Shows presented December 6, 13 and 20.
  • January 3 - March 6: New Horizons - The New Horizons Mission is well on its way to study the dwarf planet Pluto. Come learn about our solar system and the New Horizons Mission.
  • March 20 - May 1: Galileo: The Power of the Telescope - Over 400 years ago Galileo revolutionized astronomy and science by using a telescope to observe the sky. Witness the history and modern uses of this scientific instrument!

Programs are presented the first and third Tuesday each month at 7 p.m. if schools are in session that day. Professional days count too, but not holidays or inclement weather days.

Admission
Adults: $3
Children & Students: $2 (Family: $10 maximum)
Senior Citizens w/WCPS Gold Card: Free

The phone number is 301-766-2898

Tristate Astronomers

Adults interested in astronomy may also participate in the TRISTATE ASTRONOMERS. Tristate Astronomers' meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month (September through May) at 7:30 p.m. at the planetarium. Star parties are scheduled monthly.

Click here to contact the club president

Lessons * Astronomy Links * Location