FORT WAYNE — A large crowd of children and adults attended the March 25 unveiling of the long-awaited planetarium at Science Central.
“This project and this opening represents years of dedication, persistence and belief from this community,” Mandee Mikulski, executive director of Science Central, said.
According to Larry Kay, board chair, the cost of the project is $3.2 million.
Mikulski shared what people could experience when visiting the planetarium.
“Visitors of all ages can explore the galaxy, (and) experience the night sky in new ways … through immersive and hands-on experiences,” she said.
Mikulski also shared how the planetarium is expected to enhance learning while bringing families closer.
“The planetarium brings complex ideas to life. Turning curiosity into understanding and moments of wonder into lasting interest while giving families opportunities to learn together,” she said.
Later, Sarah Vise, planetarium manager, presented a brief and sometimes eye-popping presentation of celestial events.
“Our planetarium features a starball projector … paired with a Digistar digital projection system that allows us to create immersive journeys through space,” Vise said. Adding, “I am planning on doing around 4 shows per day … to accommodate as many people as want to show up.”
Visitors see stunning cosmic events projected onto the overhead planetarium dome. The dome is 21 feet high, and 28 feet wide, Vise said.
Vise estimates it takes one to three staff members to do a presentation. Currently, she is training staff to conduct a variety of scheduled planetarium shows.
Many shows are planned throughout the coming months, including “Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon,” an immersive laser light show.
Additionally, a lecture series exploring various atmospheric phenomenon is also scheduled.
Besides scheduled shows, the planetarium is also available for private rental, Mikulski said.
The region’s only public planetarium is an 1,830-square-foot space that seats approximately 50 people. Attending shows in the planetarium requires a general admission ticket of $11 for adults and children over age 2 and $10 for ages 65 and up. Children 2 and under get in free. Special planetarium events cost extra.