Spitz 512 Plan6tarium Instrumsnt used to illuminate the Fayetteville State University Planetarium. Below spectators look on inside the dome during an
evening projection. Photo courtesy: Dr. Breitzer. Photo by Anna Rhodes.
By Sheneka Tyson
Has anyone ever told you to reach for the stars? You may
have taken the statement figuratively, but visiting a plan-
6tarium may give you the impression that the stars are
within your reach. Although it’s not well known, Fayette
ville State University has a planetarium on its campus and
it is available to students who want to soar in the cosmos.
Dr. Jonathon Breitzer, Assistant Professor of Chemis
try said the Planetarium is “very unique.” “It is an ex
perience you will never forget even if you wanted to.
Angel Powell a pre- law advisor said she has visited the plane
tarium on more than one occasion on her lunch hour. “It was fan
tastic,’’Powell said. “Itallowsyoutogetawayfrom realityforjust
a few minutes during a hectic day. You come away refreshed.
The planetarium, provides a view of 2,254 stars through
its simulated projection on the on the ceiling of the
30-foot-dome. It is located in the Lyons Science build
ing in Room 100 and seats 58. It is open to faculty and
staff on Tuesday s and Thursdays from 12pm-1pm.
Powell is one of nearly 2,000 people who visit the planetarium
each year, according to Dr. Breitzer, local schools, various
groups, and daycare centers are among the regular visitors
throughout the year. Although the planetarium may not be on
student’s A-list to visit, it has been available to students for
more than three decades, built in 1978 by Ronal Johnson.
Every once in awhile we all need to meditate, relax, or just take a
quick nap. This is the place to be if you want a different
experience.