Space, stars, and planets. While some may be visible from Earth, we can’t comprehend their vastness or uniqueness with the naked eye.
While telescopes offer a better view, perhaps the most immersive way is to visit a Planetarium. Luckily, we have one right here on campus.
When walking into the Science and Math Complex at Buffalo State, it’s hard to miss the futuristic white orb sitting in the center surrounded by tall windows. Yet almost every student just walks by it, never wondering what it’s like inside or what the object is.
The Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium first opened to the public in 2021. Despite being located on campus and used by many departments (Dance, Theater, Art, Music, Technology, Communication, Sciences, and History) it is open to the public for both public events and private visits.
Dr. Kevin Williams, a professor of Geosciences, is the director of the planetarium and is in charge of giving presentations within the planetarium.
Williams runs the planetarium alongside Dr. Jen “Fox” Connelly, a former lecturer at the Rochester Institute of Technology who has become the assistant director of the planetarium.
When asked about the history of the planetarium here, it turned out we had a few before the current one.
“Buffalo State has had a planetarium since 1964. The original one was destroyed by a fire in the late 1970s and was reopened in the early 80s. That was then closed in early 2013 because of the construction of the Science and Math Complex (SAMC).
Buffalo State also had a temporary, inflatable planetarium from 2015 until it closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Finally, the new planetarium was opened in 2021.” Dr. Williams explained.
The planetarium itself is quite impressive. Built with a “state-of-the-art projection system,” the planetarium boasts a 4k digital projection system, star projector, lighting, and sound systems, to make you feel as though you are really experiencing the celestial objects as they are described.
A recent event “Moons: Worlds of Mystery” takes you on a trip narrated by actor Ed Helms around our solar system to explore the diverse moons from the rocky and volcanic areas to the ice-cold frozen ocean moon Europa.
One such event coming up in November is “Watery Worlds & The Search for Life”, which takes you on a trip around the galaxy searching for water and ends right in our solar system on a guide to the Europa Clipper mission, a probe that was launched on October 14th to travel towards Jupiter’s moon Europa with a planned arrival date of April 2030.
The Europa Clipper mission will be the very first to determine if the icy moon has a liquid ocean below and if it has the potential to house life below.
The planetarium is not limited to just space, however. With a state-of-the-art laser system, there are monthly laser shows synced with the music of famous bands like Queen and The Beatles to provide an experience like no other.
In conclusion, the Planetarium offers a unique experience, providing entertainment and excitement to Buffalo State and its plethora of students.
