The Ball State planetarium serves the public, schoolchildren from preschool through grade 12, and university students through the graduate level. The observatory continues to be used for instruction, but increasingly it has produced scientific research.
The Ball State Planetarium and Observatory has hosted 380,000 visitors since it opened its doors in 1967. Frequently, the public shows are full, and people are turned away at the door. Increasing the size and opportunities to explore astronomy at the planetarium will help accommodate the rising public interest in this field.
Upgrading to 21st-century technology will vastly increase the educational opportunities in astronomy education and space exploration for students and the Muncie community. The Ball State Bold campaign goal for the planetarium is $2.5 million.
Replacing the dome and star projector and increasing the seat capacity will not only accommodate more students in astronomy classes but will allow the study of an exceedingly accurate simulation of the sky with sharp realistic star images for countless students and faculty. The immersive virtual technology will be an important education and research tool and will promote the image of Ball State as a premier teaching university.
The digital star projector will provide a superior sky simulation and greatly reduce the labor expended to keep the 1967 star projector operating. It will also produce an exceptionally realistic star field with high positional accuracy for the sun, moon, and planets. With the computer database and video projection, the audience is not limited to earth-based views of the sky; they can be transported to other locations in the galaxy.
The computer controlled technology has allowed the Ball State Planetarium to offer programs developed for larger facilities such as the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. The new system will allow the planetarium to reveal current astronomical research and discoveries.
Your gift will allow for the following updates and renovations:
- 40-foot diameter dome
- GOTO Hybrid star projector combines the best of the analog and digital technologies
- Projector will accurately portray the night sky for up to 10,000 years into the future or past within a few seconds
- Full dome digital video projection
- Reclining seats for 100 adults
- Energy saving Light Emitting Diode (LED) illumination
Download a booklet [PDF] about the planetarium.