Bring the Universe to Boise State!

The Magic of Astronomical Planetariums

The magic of stepping into a planetarium for the first time is unlike any other astronomical encounter. With the click of a button, a planetarium operator can re-create the night sky in ways impossible in real life, giving a totally unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.

Portable digital planetariums are the state-of-the-art -- their digital projectors create crisp imagery and animations, and their portability allows a much broader reach than fixed installations.

Even the most economical planetariums can cost many tens of thousands of dollars, though, putting them beyond the reach of most outreach programs. But the advent of new computer and projector technologies has changed the game.

Creating a Portable Digital Planetarium

Boise State Physics plans to purchase a new portable digital planetarium system. Consisting of an inflatable dome (similar to a large tent), specialized mirror rig, and standard high-definition projector and laptop, the system is as capable as a standard digital planetarium but at a fraction of the cost. Where the standard system might cost $20k for the projector alone, our whole system is slated to cost less than $17k!

Nightlife in Idaho

Idaho is blessed with unusually dark skies and hosts the only International Dark Skies Reserve in the US - http://www.idahodarksky.org/. Located in central Idaho, the Reserve constitutes a collective commitment by communities, public land managers, and private landowners to support a unique tourism and educational resource.

As part of its popular STEM outreach effort, Boise State Physics will take the planetarium to schools, community centers, and public libraries across the state, especially in the Reserve and other rural areas where STEM outreach is limited. Our program will mirror closely a program run by University of Washington’s Astronomy Dept. -- http://depts.washington.edu/astrobio/drupal/content/planetarium.

What you can do

Here’s where you come in. We want the Boise State Planetarium to be a community resource for teaching and public outreach, and so we’re asking for public donations.

As a reward, we are offering gifts, from VIP access to our monthly astronomy events to a private planetarium visit (once it’s completed). A donor contributing $7,500 will be invited to name the planetarium!

So help Boise State University advance its mission of public service and education. Help us bring the universe to Boise State.