Reaching for the Stars: UNA Planetarium Connects Campus and Community

By Dr. Melvin Blake, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Director of the Planetarium

The UNA Planetarium plays a crucial role in both campus education and community engagement through a variety of programs and initiatives. While supporting academic curricula such as physics, Earth science, and exercise science, alongside partnerships with local schools like the Kilby Laboratory School, its most impactful contribution lies in its outreach efforts under the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering (CASE).

As a public university, UNA utilizes the Planetarium as a gateway for connecting with the community.  Enthusiasts of all ages can to explore astronomy through a variety of programming. A cornerstone of its outreach is the weekly public observing nights, offering rare access to telescopes for sky-watching. Weather-permitting, visitors enjoy guided sky tours and telescope views of celestial objects, complemented by educational videos and exhibits showcasing NASA artifacts and a budding meteorite collection, supported generously by CASE.

In addition to the regular public nights, special observing events highlight lunar eclipses, planetary transits, and notable comets. These events are promoted via social media for widespread community participation. Themed programs like International Observe the Moon Night, sponsored by NASA, and seasonal events such as the Christmas Star program further enrich the public's astronomical experience. The UNA Planetarium also contributes to programming for Women's History Month, Black History Month, and other themes.

The planetarium extends its impact beyond regular visitors through tailored programs for schools across Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, as well as homeschool and community groups. Recent efforts include enhanced programming for Girl Scouts, funded by the Women of Influence, that provides educational and engaging experiences at no cost to participants.

A notable addition to outreach capabilities is the Starlab portable planetarium. This brings astronomy directly to schools statewide. This initiative, supported by local partnerships and funding, eliminates barriers like transportation costs, and makes educational field trips accessible and convenient for students.

Collaborations with organizations like the NASA Museum Alliance and the Southeastern Planetarium Association bolster program quality and outreach on topics like light pollution. Support from the Shoals Astronomy Club and involvement in initiatives like Sidewalk Astronomy further enrich community engagement efforts.

Looking ahead, the planetarium will be seeing significant updates, including upgrading to new digital projectors and lighting, which promises to enhance visitor experiences. Additional plans include expanding exhibit space, improving accessibility, and integrating interactive elements focused on NASA missions. If you would like to donate to the UNA Planetarium and support our commitment to expanding educational opportunities and fostering a deeper appreciation for astronomy within the community, please click here.

        Dr. Melvin Blake