The US National Science Foundation’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) brought the Observatory’s new Starlab portable planetarium on its first visit to the To’hajiilee Community Schoola part of the Navajo Nation, located 30 minutes west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. This event was not only the debut of the mobile planetarium, but also for NSF NRAO’s new Senior Public Education Officer, Jason Schreiner, who joined the NSF NRAO Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team after serving as Planetarium Coordinator for the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The school contacted the NSF NRAO EPO team to add additional entertainment to the family Christmas celebration. With the help of NSF NRAO Public Information Officer Corrina Jaramillo Feldman, the planetarium was set up in the school gym for a night of astronomical fun. The inflatable dome, with its imposing figure, aroused the curiosity of visitors at first sight.
Upon entering the fully inflated dome, Schreiner invited families on a guided journey through space. The powerful Starlab projector clearly showed the Universe on the ceiling and walls. Dozens of students, parents and teachers sat back for a tour of our Solar System, with dazzling close-up views of the Sun and planets. Saturn and the dwarf planet Pluto were the standout favorites.
“This extension is just the first of many to come,” added Schreiner, who will share NSF NRAO educational opportunities with New Mexico communities. Educators and community leaders interested in learning more about NSF NRAO resources can contact STEAMEd@nrao.edu.
The mobile planetarium was made possible with the support of the Very Large Array Membership Program: Join or renew your membership.
