Science Central is building a planetarium within the existing center, in an unoccupied portion of Science Central’s west side.
The planetarium will open to the public in late 2025 and supports Science Central’s Vision to create itself as the premier gateway for informal science education in the region.
Stay tuned for updates here about this exciting addition to our facility!
Architect: Design Collaborative
General Contractor: Mosaic Building Solutions
Planetarium Contractor: Ash Enterprises
Planetarium Preview
The planetarium will be 1,830 square feet.
The planetarium will be topped by a dome measuring 21 feet high and 28 feet across.
The planetarium will seat approximately 60 people.
The planetarium will be equipped with a Digistar digital projection system from Evans & Sutherland.
It will also feature a starball projector from the University of Saint Francis.
A planetarium is a theater built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky, featuring a dome-shaped ceiling onto which images of stars, planets, and other celestial objects are projected.
In contrast, an observatory is a facility equipped with telescopes and other instruments for observing and studying celestial phenomena directly. While planetariums focus on simulating the night sky for educational purposes, observatories are dedicated to astronomical research and observation.
Groundbreaking Ceremony - Sept. 7, 2023
Progress - January 2025
Progress - March 18, 2025
Progress - September 2025
