Fayetteville State Planetarium Brings Back ‘Dark Side of The Moon’, Expands Programs
This fall, the Fayetteville State University planetarium will present the official 50th anniversary “Dark Side of the Moon” show. The newly updated dome will light up during homecoming weekend.
Fayetteville State University has brought back the wildly successful Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon planetarium experience.
Image Courtesy Loch Ness ProductionsThis fall, the Fayetteville State University planetarium will present the official 50th anniversary "Dark Side of the Moon" show. The newly updated dome will light up during homecoming weekend, marking FSU as one of the few select sites nationwide to host this special event.
According to Planetarium Manager Joseph W. Kabbes, per The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, the facility's image quality stands unmatched. The space welcomes 65 guests at once and draws nearly 9,000 visitors yearly.
Fresh updates shine throughout the 1981 structure. A cutting-edge display system now fills the dome, while new interior touches catch the eye. Staff from Chemistry, Physics, and Materials Sciences run shows twice monthly on Saturday nights.
Local students flock here year-round. The site serves as a key science spot for Sandhills area schools, with kids studying stars and space events. Young minds can enjoy Summer Space Camp, while teens join the Saturday STEAM Team.
Spring 2026 brings a brand-new observatory. Scientists and sky-watchers can add to research at the Center for Backyard Astrophysics with new telescopes.
Two fresh zones will open their doors. In the Exploratorium, kids will drive robots across mock lunar ground, test a wind tunnel, and try out a solo hovercraft. Next door, the Research Education Enrichment Facility will house water tanks with sea life and growing systems that mix fish and plants.
Public shows a mix of topics from mysterious dark energy to stars you can spot right here in Fayetteville's sky. As interest grows, staff plan to mix in new shows and activities.
