The Center for Earth and Space Science Education

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Center for Earth & Space Science Education is to:

 - Provide programs, lectures, services, and collaborations that serve as channels for the advancement of science education and appreciation.

 - Maintain truthfulness and a high level of integrity in science education.

 - Stay informed of discoveries and advances in astronomy and space science.

 - Interpret and report astronomical and scientific developments.

 - Honor the legacy of Hudnall Planetarium and Tyler Junior College in the hearts and minds of East Texans and the astronomical community.

Vision Statement:

To establish a dynamic public science education facility in the East Texas region which offers educational and entertaining programs to encourage an interest in, and support for, science education.

About Us:

The new Center for Earth & Space Science Education, also known as the CESSE, is located in the heart of the main Tyler Junior College 90 acre campus in Tyler, Texas.

Until September 2010, this location was home to the oldest East Texas planetarium, the Hudnall Planetarium built in 1963. Mention the Hudnall and many generations of school children fondly recall field trips where they learned about the magic and mystery of space and our universe.

Visit the CESSE today and take a giant leap beyond the 21st Century.  Home to the first 40' Spitz nano-seam domed theatre in East Texas, the state-of-the-art Planetarium features an immersive, full-dome video experience. 

Real-time space flights and visits to other locations in the known universe are made possible by the latest in full-dome projection systems.

Ever changing Exhibit areas, large screen plasma screen displays with real-time video from NASA and the Space Telescope Science Institute, as well as meeting space for science classes, lectures and public events complete the complex.

Outstanding design by the Architectural Firm of Eubanks-Harris-Roberts-Craig Architects, Inc. facilitated the Planetarium's transformation. Keeping with the trademark TJC Georgian Colonial red brick architecture, the new CESSE offers science education for all ages.