No one really knows the full extent of what is out in space, and perhaps that is what gives it such appeal and why we are willing to sit underneath a small illustration of the little information we know is true about space. Telescopes all over Earth are gathering pictures we can see right here on campus.
The planetarium, located in the science building across from the Sam Rayburn Student Center, was opened a year after the building was originally built in 2006.
A random survey of students revealed about eight in 10 students has visited the planetarium since it opened.
“The planetarium actually made my learning experience more enjoyable and interesting,” former Astronomy 101 student Mikey Kinney said. “It really gave me a good idea of what is actually out there, better than any text book.”
Besides the learning benefits, the planetarium offers Rock and Roll nights every Friday at 9 p.m. For $3 attendees can listen to classic rock while seeing laser shows and space scenes from a heavenly angle.
Former student Katrina Yarbrough said she has tried to make it to as many of the Rock and Roll shows as possible, and she still tries to attend although she graduated two years ago.
“I love the shows, it is so wonderful to just come in and sit and just let your worries sort of stay on earth while you leave it,” she said. “Plus I just love rock, so it is really cool to come in and see a club-type show for so little cash.”
The planetarium is a state-of-the-art facility. The ceiling is a large dome 30 feet from the ground, 40 feet in diameter.
The dome has the ability to show high-definition images without them looking blocky and awkward. There are six projectors fusing into one image on the screen. The screen itself has many little holes throughout allowing sound and air to pass through, keeping movie theatre-like projection and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.
The screen itself has yet had to be cleaned. It takes four to five years to be actually dirty enough for a special crew to come in and vacuum the dome.
The director of the planetarium, Dr. Kent Montgomery, said since the opening of the planetarium, he has had over 77,000 people sit under its projected stars, seating about 87 people per show. That number does not include classes.
“We usually do about 300 hundred shows a year,” Dr. Montgomery said. “We rent our shows from where they are made, usually Chicago or New York. In all, about 10 places make planetarium shows.”
Special events are sometimes held on the large screen, including guest speakers. Groups are also able to come in and watch movies, and those with the love of Xbox in their hearts can play games.
“The only real problems we have with students at times are food and drinks; we do not want the planetarium to feel like a movie theatre floor,” Montgomery said. “People using their cell phones are another problem too. Cell phones are bright enough to ruin the show.”
There is one thing Montgomery said he would like to see added.
“I saw this really cool, 3-D full dome, but it would cost around two million dollars to upgrade,” he said.
The planetarium holds shows for the younger students around the area as well.
“I really hope that it keeps doing as well as it is,” Molly Sample, an eighth grader from Commerce Middle School said. “I saw a star show once with my mom and older sister, and I think it would be cool to go to class in it. I guess that is still far away though.”
The planetarium’s usual public hours are Friday at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. for shows. It is private all week long, unless open for a special event.