Katelyn Hummel
Staff Writer

New computers, planetarium, and control room to set up Science Dome for science enthusiasts

A sense of awe runs through those who step under the vast concave ceiling of the recently opened Rainier Building Planetarium, the sole science dome in the South Sound.

The construction for the dome lasted about six months, but the campaign for funds and the initial decision making extended about a year and a half prior to that. The building cost about $1.3 million to complete and it was all paid for by the Pierce College Foundation via sponsors and donations. Sponsors who gave $300 or more will get their names engraved into a single arm of one of the planetariums skyward leaning theatre chairs.

And after all this time, the planetarium does not disappoint. Outfitted with high tech projection equipment and an advanced control panel room, the dome has virtually limitless capabilities such as hosting a slide presentation, playing movies, presenting a 3D viewing, or awing an audience with a night-sky showing.

The science dome has been designed to be utilized by not only Pierce students, but by local residents and local elementary school children grade learning. Some events held in the planetarium will be free, while other presentations and events will require paid admission to cover the cost of the event. Yet it still poses as a great facility for learning and entertainment for all in the community. The science dome, however, will not be open to the public until after its grand opening sometime in November.

However, students, professors, and departments at Pierce are encouraged to use the planetarium today. Hillary Stephens, professor of physics and astronomy and current guru of the planetarium, shared her excitement of the dome’s potential.

Stephens explains that so far the departments that have put the new facility to use were astronomy and other various sciences. But the potential does not end with the science departments.

It was suggested that the theatre class and the digital design department of Pierce co-work to put together a production and display it in the dome. Both groups were on board for the assignment and are now in the process of producing a student-made film to be presented sometime in November.

Addison Kelly, a theatre student and co-writer of the production to be displayed, described the plot as being an action packed battle between three races over a planet and its light energy that each race needs to satisfy their own reasons. The collaboration with the digital design department, Kelly says, will bring a great 3D experience to the film.

To schedule a time to utilize the planetarium, present your idea to Stephens at [email protected].