By Nathaniel Trask
The University of Maine’s Emera Astronomy Center has been a big hit since it was opened last October.
“We are doing much better than we used to in the old planetarium,” Scott Mitchell, acting director of the center, said. “Nobody can really ignore us.”
Visitors to the center can learn a great deal about the wonders of space. Programs include displays of well-known constellations and planets as well as the history human space exploration.
Just this past summer, the center hosted parts of the Science Summer Camps, which are organized by the university’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. The center is also the location for all introductory astronomy laboratory courses.
Jordan Planetarium has been outfitted with a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, including a computer system called Digital Sky 2. The picture projects onto an overhead dome ceiling to give audience members the sense of an immersive environment.
“The completely digital system is run off of 10 computers that go to two very large digital projectors,” Mitchell said. “They give is a scientifically accurate, 3-D model of the entire visible universe.”
The Emera Astronomy Center takes the place of the original Jordan Planetarium, which was built in 1954, named after the esteemed professor emeritus of astronomy Maynard F. Jordan. Originally, the planetarium was housed in Wingate Hall where it was run entirely by student volunteers prior to the 1980s.
Longtime director Alan Davenport retired last February after holding the position for 35 years. A group named the “Friends of the Planetarium” hired him along with volunteers to help with the planetarium, according to the center’s website.
After 60 years in Wingate Hall, the Jordan Planetarium moved to its new location at the Emera Astronomy Center. Emera Inc., one of Maine’s largest power companies, made a donation along with a larger, anonymous donation to make the center “the best it could be.” A PlaneWave CDK 20 optical reflecting telescope located near the site was built and is now the most powerful telescope in the state.
Mitchell says they have increased their outreach by publicizing their events on their university website. Currently, there are four different shows on the schedule suited for people of every age level.
“Undiscovered Worlds” will be playing at the center Sept. 18. This show gives viewers the chance to explore the planets that orbit the stars beyond our solar system. A full-dome video will be shown as well as a live presentation given by a staff member detailing constellations and planets that can be seen.
“We have a couple of new shows and we are always developing new content and programs to show people,” Mitchell said.
Plans are being made to offer showings for students, according to Mitchell. Students with a MaineCard can attend an event free of charge on select weekday nights.
The Emera Astronomy Center holds public programs throughout the fall season with showings Fridays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.