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About

Inspiring Stargazers Since 1975

Indian Prairie School District 204 built a planetarium as a part of its original high school, Waubonsie Valley. The high school first opened for the 1975-76 school year. Since then, K-12 students and visitors of all ages have learned about astronomy and explored the night sky under the planetarium's dome.

Today, the WVHS Planetarium is 1 of 2 public school districts in the state of Illinois with K-12 programming. In the 2022-23 school year, 8,000 students visited the planetarium for a field trip lesson and 90% were students from Indian Prairie School District 204.

A planetarium uses a star projector to create an artificial sky, including the sun, moon, stars, and planets, which appears and moves to simulate the real sky. Our 1974 Minolta Series IIB star projector is affectionately known as "Big Blue Guy". His dark starry night without light pollution is awe-inspiring.  

A large, domed building with a distinctive architectural style stands in the background, surrounded by a paved path and grassy area in the foreground.
An aerial view of a large industrial or commercial complex surrounded by open fields and roads, with various buildings, parking lots, and other infrastructure visible.
A man with a beard is shown operating the controls of what appears to be a musical instrument or audio equipment on a stage.
A large green building with a white dome-shaped structure stands in the foreground, surrounded by a paved area and landscaping.
A large telescope-like instrument is prominently displayed in the foreground, surrounded by rows of seats in a dimly lit auditorium-like setting, suggesting a planetarium or observatory.
A modern, multi-story building with a distinctive dome-shaped structure stands in the foreground, surrounded by a well-manicured landscape with gravel pathways and lush greenery in the background.
A person in a dark blue shirt is standing in front of a large electronic device, likely a computer or audio equipment, in a room with various other electronic devices and equipment visible in the background.
A futuristic-looking robotic device with a spherical body, multiple appendages, and various sensors and components appears to be the focus of the image, set against a plain background.
A microphone stands prominently in the foreground, surrounded by a control panel with various knobs and buttons, against a dimly lit background.
A detailed technical diagram or schematic of a mechanical device or apparatus, with various labeled components and parts arranged in a structured layout.