Charles F. Hagar Planetarium

The Charles F. Hagar Planetarium sits tucked away inside Thornton Hall on the San Francisco State University campus. Since opening its doors in 1973, it has functioned as a specialized classroom and public outreach space designed entirely by the astronomy professor for whom it is now named. While modern digital displays have become standard elsewhere, this facility has long relied on a vintage Spitz 512 projector. This mechanical device uses a sphere perforated with over one thousand pinholes to cast points of light onto the dome, creating a night sky that many describe as having a distinct, retro charm reminiscent of the Apollo era.