As the sun begins to set earlier each evening, the view of the night sky becomes more prevalent and visible in everyday life. The moon, stars, planets and more are visible if one just takes the time to step outside and look up at the sky. However, due to light pollution, many stars and other night sky sights are blocked from view, leaving people with only a fraction of the true beauty of space in our backyard sky.
Although backyard stargazing may be restricted, there is a new alternative. The Love’s Planetarium had its grand opening on Sept. 20 at Science Museum Oklahoma. This planetarium features state-of-the-art technology, intended to bring the best view of space to all viewers.
“Our museum roots are as a planetarium,” Sherry Marshall, John E. Kirkpatrick president and CEO said in a KFOR News article. “We intend to continue and grow the incredible vision of our founder, Admiral John Elson Kirkpatrick, and improve the planetarium for our visitors to enjoy for the next 60-plus years.”
Implemented into this new planetarium are technological improvements and a redesign of the architecture, which will improve the viewer experience. These improvements will allow for a more scientifically accurate experience but a more comfortable one as well. Things such as under-floor air conditioning have been added to improve the overall show.
“We’ve got an LED optical projector that presents the most crisp, detailed stars that you can even use binoculars to see the deep star field, as well as 8K projectors,” Marshall said in a KFOR News article. “We’ve brought together some of the best experts in the planetarium field, along with some of the highest technology to create an experience like no other.”
The new planetarium will be unlike any other in North America, as the only other planetarium with such advanced technology is in China. A planetarium as advanced as this is an opportunity to see not only an educational show but something many have likely never seen before, such as a night sky entirely full of stars.
Patrick Schoenfeldt is the Director of Architecture at Studio Architecture, the architecture firm to thank for the upgrade. In the past, Studio Architecture has been responsible for the completion of Headington Hall at the University of Oklahoma and now the Love’s Planetarium.
“The new planetarium is a 60–foot radius; the old planetarium was only a 40-foot radius,” Schoenfeldt said. “The 60-foot radius allows for a much larger planetarium which seats 120 with tiered seating for a superior viewing experience. One of the other things we were able to accomplish was to make the skyball’s orientation facing north. This is a traditional location for planetariums; the old planetarium did not have that orientation.”
Constructing a planetarium of such advanced technology is no easy task, especially when the shows are focused on being educational and entertaining. Certain aspects have been implemented into the planetarium to allow it to have an out-of-this-world feel.
“Architecturally we tried to give a science fiction style with the LED light rings around Saturn, and the theater exterior is clad with architectural metal panels that provide a Jules Verne imagery,” Schoenfeldt said. “Overall, we believe that we have created a special experience both visually and functionally for the Science Museum of Oklahoma.”
The Love’s Planetarium allows viewers of all ages to experience the show-stopping sight that is the solar system and beyond. For children, the Science Museum offers a younger audience show twice a day on weekdays and Saturdays and once on Sundays. Planetarium Choice Shows, interactive shows and movie-based shows are all also available throughout the planetarium’s daily schedule.
This has been a long-awaited event, as the planetarium has been closed since April 21 due to the construction. Spectacular sights of stars, planets and more have been left to backyard viewing for months. However, the wait is almost over, and once again the world-class astronomical shows will begin.
Contact Emma Eischeid at [email protected]
