The dome of the SciDome planetarium is lit with constellations.

SciDome

The SciDome is a planetarium that delivers a stunning visual exploration of our universe. Inside is a 60-seat theater outfitted with a 30-foot tilted dome to immerse viewers in out-of-this-world adventures.

Exploration as Limitless as the Universe

The SciDome, established through an exceptional public/private partnership between Ohio State Newark and The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology, inspires and entertains the inner scientist in all of us. As a shared facility, the SciDome is open to The Works’ guests and school tours as well as Ohio State Newark classes and programming.

Lecturer speaking at SciDome

SciDome Director: Michael Stamatikos, PhD

Stamatikos is an assistant professor of physics and astronomy and a researcher at Ohio State’s Center for Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics. Stamatikos — widely recognized for his work on Swift, a NASA satellite mission that was ranked the best science mission in its class in two consecutive NASA biennial senior reviews — serves as The Works’ Chief Science Officer.

SciDome History

The Ohio State University Dean and Director William L. MacDonald and Michael Stamotikos, PhD, at the groundbreaking of the SciDome planetarium.

The stars aligned for Michael Stamatikos, PhD, in 2015 when he found himself in front of the Ohio State Newark board with the opportunity to share his desire for a planetarium in Newark. Six months later, he presented to the joint boards of Ohio State Newark and The Works. The central Ohio community quickly embraced this dynamic educational partnership with many private and corporate commitments culminating a highly successful fundraising campaign. The SciDome grand opening followed on June 9, 2018.