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Grand Reopening of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium

The highly anticipated grand reopening of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, located at the Saint Louis Science Center, is set for Saturday, July 18, at 9:30 a.m. This milestone marks more than 25 years since substantial upgrades have taken place at one of St. Louis's most beloved landmarks. The upgrades aim to transform the planetarium into the largest and most advanced hybrid facility of its kind in the United States.

New Technologies Unveiled

At the forefront of these advancements is the installation of the GOTO Chiron III Hybrid Star Projector—the first of its kind in the U.S.—and the sophisticated Cosm Digistar Full-Dome Data Visualization System. These enhancements will allow visitors to explore the cosmos with unparalleled clarity and depth. The new projection system uses advanced geospatial mapping technology that lets participants view the Earth from above, offering a unique perspective of our planet.

Dr. Ray Vandiver, CEO and President of the Science Center, shared his excitement about the reopening. He reminisced how his childhood visits to the planetarium influenced his academic journey, ultimately propelling him to earn a Ph.D. in physics. "The McDonnell Planetarium is a St. Louis gem and has inspired millions of St. Louisans to gaze towards the stars," he stated. Vandiver believes that these upgrades will offer an unprecedented experience that emphasizes discovery and learning.

Support from the Centene Foundation

The ambitious project was made possible through significant funding from the Centene Foundation, highlighting the collaboration between community foundations and educational institutions to foster STEM education. Keith Williamson, president of the foundation, expressed pride in supporting an initiative that will ignite curiosity and deepen scientific understanding among students and families.

The Upgrades

The extensive upgrades to the McDonnell Planetarium include:

• - GOTO Chiron III Hybrid Star Projector: This state-of-the-art projector elevates astronomy programming by accurately displaying over 9,500 stars visible to the unaided eye and providing realistic imagery of celestial events, including eclipses and planetary transits.

• - Cosm Digistar Full-Dome Data Visualization System: This system presents immersive, photorealistic images that expand programming capabilities. It allows for 360-degree visuals and live-streaming of satellite data, enhancing the educational experience for visitors.

• - Immersive Sound System: Featuring a 22,000-watt surround-sound setup, the Orthwein StarBay will provide an enveloping audio experience, elevating the overall presentation quality.

• - Auracast Hearing Assistance System: This initiative marks the first time the Auracast listening technology is implemented in a public venue within the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.

• - New Entry Experience: Guests will enjoy a fresh entry through a starship-themed elevator, located in the lobby, leading to the Orthwein StarBay.

• - Engaging Live Shows: There will be newly developed live shows tailored for visitors, showcasing the capabilities of the new technology.

Stellar Programming

With the upgraded technology, the planetarium will offer several exciting shows, including:

• - The (New) Sky Tonight: An updated version of a long-standing favorite since 1963, this show utilizes the new hybrid projection to connect guests with the night sky seen from St. Louis.
• - The Earth Today: Presented with satellite data, this program explores the planet's daily changes, emphasizing current events and their impact on our lives.
• - The Little Star that Could 360: Aimed at younger audiences, this show takes a charming journey through our solar system, featuring beautifully rendered visuals.

Community Engagement and Free Experiences

As one of the few free, nonprofit science centers in the nation, the Saint Louis Science Center remains committed to providing accessible learning opportunities. The facility features hundreds of interactive exhibits and will continue to welcome visitors free of charge. Besides the planetarium upgrades, guests can also enjoy a variety of engaging experiences:

• - The interactive traveling exhibition, The Blue Whale Story, running until January 10, 2027, offers insights into marine life.
• - Films in the OMNIMAX® Theater spotlighting breathtaking documentaries, including recent blockbusters.
• - Special programs promoting STEM engagement, such as after-hours events and monthly Star Parties for observation of celestial phenomena.

The reopening of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium signifies an exciting new chapter for science education and celestial exploration in St. Louis. It inspires future generations to explore the mysteries of the universe and fosters a deeper understanding of our place in the cosmos.

To learn more about the planetarium and its offerings, visit slsc.org/planetarium.