School Visits

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

Our center provides engaging astronomy and science experiences to students of all ages. Field trips give students the chance to learn in new environments get inspired to explore their universe and world in new ways.

Planning your visit

Before contacting the Planetarium, please gather the following information:

Planned number of adults and students for the visit
Your preferred date and time and one or more alternate dates
Title of the show(s) that your school would like
Available show titles can be reviewed on our Planetarium Programs page
School contact information – teacher name, email address, phone, and mailing address

After a date has been reserved, you will receive an email packet containing a confirmation of the program time and date, information about the planetarium and the program, and directions.

Making a Reservation

Planning a visit has never been easier; just use our on-line request form to begin the process. A planetarium staff will contact you and settle the details for your visit. Or call our office at (207)581-1341 and get answers to any questions you have or make a reservation.

Show Fees

There is a flat rate of $250.00 for the first field trip show. Additional shows are $200.00 each if conducted on the same day.

The Planetarium seats a maximum of 50 people. Larger groups can be divided into sections that attend separate showings.

The astronomy center has a multi-purpose classroom which can be used for lunches or hands-on activities.

The group may buy souvenirs from the planetarium gift shop after programs. The shop offers many small, inexpensive toys, novelty items and science items.

Additional Information

For more information about field trips see the following:

Directions/Maps

Why take a Field Trip?

Getting the Most from Field Trips

Visiting more than one location during a field trip can maximize the use of time and money that must be expended taking students away from school for part of a day. There are several other sites to visit during your mission at the University of Maine including the Page Farm and Home Museum, the Hudson Museum, and a special exhibition of physics demonstrations called the Maine-ly Physics Show may be available by advance arrangement.

Donations help secure the future of the Jordan Planetarium and observatory here at the University of Maine. They assist in acquiring new programming, keeping our technology up to date, and providing numerous astronomy and science opportunities for students of all ages and the general public.

Donations to the astronomy center can be made here.