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The Planetarium at Western

by Neighborhood-Kids.com12/5/2007 1:33:38 PM

Original star projector from 1959.

A little-known gem on Western Washington University’s campus is the Planetarium, located on the third floor of Haggard Hall. The initial facility, constructed in 1959, featured a “pinhole” star projector and 15 curved wooden pews. In recent year, the Planetarium received several grants and donations, allowing for a number of facility upgrades. Maintained by Western’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Planetarium now uses a full-color digital planetarium projector capable of projecting 6,000 stars, sun, moon, planets, comets and meteors. The new Konica Minolta Mediaglobe can instantaneously show the sky at any time— past, present and future— from anywhere on Earth. Two years ago, high-quality IMAX type seating was installed. In its present state, the Western Planetarium offers comfortable amenities for astronomy scholars of every age.

Brad Snowder, a graduate of Western, has been managing the Planetarium since 1995. Brad creates special presentations for all kinds of groups in Whatcom Country, from local Girl Scout troops to university students in introductory astronomy classes. At a recent public showing, Brad described the various cultural stories associated with constellations and told the audience how stars are born. The evening concluded with a “Legends of the Night Sky” cartoon about the story of Orion.  No matter what demographic he might be presenting to, Brad’s shows are always informative and entertaining.

Full-color digital projector and IMAX style seating.

Anyone with a group of at least twenty can schedule an hour-long presentation for a minimum cost of $60; the Planetarium seats 45 in chairs with room on the floor for ten. You might want to speak with your child’s teacher about arranging a class field trip to the Planetarium, especially if there’s a science fair coming up. Programs designed for pre-school age children are also available. And if your child is really into the stars and planets, you might want to throw them a theme birthday party at the Planetarium this year.  Birthday presentations are not uncommon, says Brad. “I try to do something special, like feature a star that is the same light years away as the person is old; so the light from the star is the same age."

We’ll let you know about upcoming public shows (recommended for ages 8 and up) at the Planetarium in our Activities section. To get more information about booking a presentation, visit the Planetarium website.

Photos courtsey Brad Snowder and the Western Planetarium.