The Columbia Public Schools’ (CPS) Planetarium received a generous donation from the Stafford Family Trust. So, after being closed over the summer for a major renovation, the planetarium is reopening this month with their regular second Saturday of the month public shows! They have completely redone the look and design of the space, including seating, carpeting, and curtains, which you can see at today’s open house. The planetarium is open at 1:45 pm, with 25-minute shows at 2, 2:30, 3, and 3:30 pm. Today’s shows will have three video clips demonstrating the abilities of the full dome projection system and the star tour with the 39-year-old star ball.
The planetarium’s new look was made possible by funding provided by the Stafford Family Trust, the Columbia Public Schools, and donations collected during public planetarium shows. Contributions from these sources allowed the planetarium to replace its 64 low-back chairs with 85 high-back, theater-style seats, not only increasing the seating capacity, but viewer comfort as well. In addition, new floor and wall carpeting was installed and new black-out curtains were hung on the doors.
This September 14th open house marks the return of 2nd Saturday of the month planetarium shows for the general public. Shows are free, although donations of $2 per person are welcome.
CPS Planetarium
(located within Rock Bridge High School)
4303 S Providence Rd
Columbia, Missouri
School and private groups can reserve a weekday show by phone (573-214-3148) or email Planetarium@columbia.k12.mo.us.
http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/rbhs/academics/planetarium.html
http://www.cpsplanetarium.org/
(The first link is more regularly maintained at the time of this posting. The second link is the intended regular site for the planetarium.)
