The planetarium at Fernbank Science Center is a celestial theater in the round, utilizing the complex Zeiss Mark V planetarium projector in conjunction with SPITZ SciDome 4K Laser projection system. These technologies collectively create a stunning immersive environment, which guide the audience through the wonders of the universe. The 70-ft diameter planetarium, one of the largest in the United States, is dedicated to teaching and public enrichment.
April 21, 2018 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - Planetary geologist Kirby Runyon, a postdoctoral researcher at the Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University, and the first scientist to discover mountains on Pluto, will deliver a talk titled “Small Planets: Bringing Pluto Back” (not that it ever left!)
1:50 p.m. - 2:20 p.m., Dr. Runyon and Fernbank planetary geologist Scott Harris will engage the audience in a discussion of how planetary scientists have defined planets for more than a century, and why how we discuss Pluto in science education matters.
2:20 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., we will present a full dome planetarium show titled “Beyond New Horizons” that looks back at the history of Pluto and highlights the latest imagery from the New Horizons mission.
This special planetarium event is free and open to all as seating allows. However, visitors will be encouraged to make donations to one of two boxes to express their opinion about Pluto’s “planethood.”
Planetarium and Observatory Contacts
April Whitt- Astronomer
april.whitt@fernbank.edu
Mark Lancaster - Astronomer
mark.lancaster@fernbank.edu
Scott Harris - Planetary Geologist, Meterorites
scott.harris@fernbank.edu
