USF Planetarium Equipment Could Move Elsewhere
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTalks are underway to find a new home for equipment from the soon-to-be closed Edwin Clark Schouweiler Memorial Planetarium in Fort Wayne. The University of Saint Francis says Science Central has expressed interest in the instrumentation from the facility.
Science Central could use the equipment to expand programming. Director Martin Fisher says "astronomy-education is a strong component of our mission, as we provide exhibits and programs for our area schools, teachers, scouts and the general public. We are determining the feasibility of expanding to include planetarium shows. There are quite a few considerations involved in the decision."
USF announced last month the planetarium will close March 31. The nearly 50 year-old building needed tens of thousands of dollars worth of repairs. Once closed, the university will begin renovating the space to serve as a study and activity space.
USF is set to open a new campus in downtown Fort Wayne this fall.