Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
The International Dark Sky Discovery Center and the Town of Fountain Hills is installing a 38-ton, steel-ribbed, plywood-wrapped dome that will be officially placed onto the foundation pillars that will be its home on Monday, Dec. 23.
The Craig and Ruth Gimbel Hyperspace Planetarium will be a 12-meter diameter projection dome, tilted 20 degrees forward, with 65 seats, six projectors and a state-of-the-art audio system, according to a press release.
During the event, which was held at Fountain Hills Community Center Centennial Circle, 13001 N. La Montana Drive, brief remarks were made by Arizona State Senator John Kavanagh; Fountain Hills Mayor Gerry Friedel; and IDSDC President Joe Bill.
The domed theater will educate visitors with programs about astronomy, the night sky and other STEM education subjects. Planetarium programming may also include topics such as biodiversity, anatomy, aviation and more.
The IDSDC will be the world’s center for uniquely connecting the night sky to life on earth. Through STEM education for students and leading-edge learning experiences for all ages, the IDSDC will fulfill its mission to stir imaginations, inspire the next generation, and cultivate a greater understanding of our dark skies, our planet, and the universe.
Out of the 200-plus International Dark Sky places, Fountain Hills is one of only 13 featured in the Smithsonian Lights Out exhibit.
The goals of the IDSDC will be achieved with five major components:
- Dark Sky Observatory with the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix area
- Hyperspace Planetarium with an advanced tilted dome design and immersive digital technology
- Inspiration Theater with 150-tiered-seats and the latest projection technology and sound systems
- Night Sky Exhibit Hall with interactive exhibits about the problems and solutions related to excessive light
- Einstein Exploration Station for hands-on teaching of the physics of light
