Wildrik Botjes Planetarium

The Botjes planetarium is a fully operational model of the solar system completed in 1868. It is on display in North Hall.

Directions

Enter North Hall through the southeast door (see the Calvin University map for details). The planetarium is opposite the door.

See how the planetariuim can predict the motion of the planets.

While the planets model shows the earth orbiting the sun, this model shows the perspective from Earth.

The celestial sphere is a model for the two-dimensional direction to the stars.

The planetarium has kept the time of day and day of the week for 130 years

Discover what makes the Botjes planetarium tick.

The Botjes Planetarium has traveled across continents and been passed down the generations.

Wildrik Botjes constructed another planetarium with some modifications to his earlier design.

See how planetariums and models contribute to the scientific mission.