Private Tour Information
We are now taking reservations for tours for our Winter and
Spring 2012 season.
Call (317) 940-8333
Private Tours and Fees
Private group tours can be scheduled at selected times during
weekdays and weekends. A student to adult ratio of 10:1 is required
for all private group visits to maintain quietness during the tour.
The cost is $2.00 per person with a minimum of cost $50. Seating is
limited to 60 people in the planetarium. For larger groups it
may be possible to split the group
into two so that one group can visit the telescope room while the
other group visits the planetarium. Please note that
this option depends on the availability of the tour
guides. Reservations are required for all private
group visits. If you are interested in scheduling a private tour
please call the observatory reservation line at (317) 940-8333.
What to Expect
Visitors will enjoy an hour-long tour consisting of a multimedia
presentation covering the current night sky, a seasonal star show,
with visits to the clock room, space gallery, and telescope dome.
In the telescope dome the guide will explain and demonstrate the
operation of the Holcomb Robotic Telescope. If weather
permits the telescope dome will be opened for star gazing
during evening tours.
Preparing for the Tour
To prepare for the tour we suggest you look at other information
on our web site. To learn about the telescopes look at the telescopes
and instruments links. Planets are usually
included in the planetarium presentation. To learn more about the
planets visit the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
website. To prepare yourself for a the planetarium star show it
is suggested that you look and the star
chart and current night sky links.
More Information
Tour reservations will be held up to 20 minutes after your
prescheduled tour time (your tour will be shortened if another tour
is schedule after you). Following that your reservation is subject
to cancellation and you will be charged a service fee of $25. per
tour. If the need arises and you must cancel your tour reservation,
please call (317) 940-8333 at least two business
days in advance to avoid the service fee. Returned checks
will be charged a service fee of $20. Group leaders should collect
the appropriate admission fee from the group members in advance.
Payment can be made either by cash or a check made out to J. I.
Holcomb Observatory. The cash or check should be given to the
planetarium personnel upon entry. It is recommended that you arrive
10 minutes before your tour so that you may be seated.
Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium is located on the north end
of the Butler University campus and can be reached by heading west
on 46th Street from N. Meridian Street and then turning north once
at the center of campus. Download the campus map (PDF).
Wheelchair accessibility is available in the Planetarium and
Lobby area only. No elevator is available to the telescope viewing
area.