Arnim D. Hummel Planetarium

It seems that as the canopy of leaves begin to bud on the trees, the night sky becomes more beautiful. People have pondered and studied the stars since the beginning of time, yet they are still extremely mysterious and fascinating to us today. This is why I encourage you to visit the Hummel Planetarium this month and to help them celebrate their 15th Anniversary.

The Hummel Planetarium - Richmond , KY

The Hummel Planetarium is located on Eastern Kentucky’s Campus in Richmond, Kentucky. It is currently one of the biggest and most advanced planetariums within the United States. One hundred and sixty four people can sit under the sixty-seven and a half foot dome ceiling. Computers are programmed to generate the night sky, project films, display a laser light show or generate phenomenons such as meteors or eclipses. Their web page states, “A visit to the Hummel Planetarium is a trip through the universe, and offers an opportunity to experience the wonders that await us at the center of our galaxy or simply view the beauty of the sky above us.”

A gift shop is also available from 8am until 4:30 every weekday, and carry’s fun souvenirs such as star charts, T-shirts, sundials, and home planetariums. Employees of the gift shop are also knowledgeable and can offer advice in purchasing telescopes and other astronomical equipment.

The Planetarium is within a thirty-minute trip from Berea. After reaching Richmond visitors should travel on the Eastern By-pass towards EKU. Upon reaching the football stadium intersection, turn towards the fire station, onto Kit Carson Drive. Then travel about a mile and the planetarium will be on the right and the parking lot is just past the actual planetarium building.

Children of all ages are encouraged to visit the planetarium. There are also educational shows available for teacher to plan field trips around. This month the planetarium is showing “The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” as their children’s program. And this month’s feature program is “Oceans in Space.” To see other events that will be featured at the planetarium you can visit their website at www.planetarium.eku.edu/ Their website includes pictures of the planetarium and equipment, directions, current shows available and links to other interesting astronomy websites.

I encourage you to visit the Hummel Planetarium this month and let them teach you about the spring sky, so as the weather becomes more and more inviting for late night star watching – you will be knowledgeable about what your viewing. For more information call: 622-1547.

Quick Facts:
-The machines in the planetarium can generate up to 10,164 stars
-The heavens can be created and seen from any location on earth, any time during
the day and from the previous 100,000 years or within the next 100,000 years to come.
-The night sky can be generated as if being viewed from any other planet
-Sophisticated audio systems add to the hundreds of special effects available in the theater.

Written by Hannah Billings