Frostburg State University Celebrates Grand Reopening of Revitalized Planetarium

Frostburg State University Celebrates Grand Reopening of Revitalized Planetarium

Apr 27, 2026 8:00 AM

Frostburg State University celebrated the grand reopening of its newly revitalized Planetarium with a special gathering highlighting its renewed role as a hub for STEM education and community engagement. The upgraded facility now offers professional-quality, immersive presentations designed for both classroom instruction and public programs.

"The revitalized Planetarium reflects Frostburg State's commitment to creating inspiring, applied learning experiences for our students while also serving as a resource for the broader community," said FSU Interim President Darlene Brannigan Smith. "It opens the door for curiosity, exploration and new opportunities to connect people with the wonders of our universe."

The invitation-only event, held April 25, showcased the Planetarium as a central feature of FSU's Catherine R. Gira Center for Communications and Information Technology (CCIT) and a dynamic asset for hands-on learning, discovery and public outreach. "With its upgraded technology and renewed vision, the Planetarium will be a place where students, alumni and community members can come together to learn, explore and be inspired," Smith said.

The evening's program began with a welcome reception and ribbon cutting. Guests then enjoyed a guided sky tour inside the state-of-the-art Planetarium, featuring professional-quality digital projection and immersive surround sound. "Guests experienced firsthand the extraordinary brightness, color and clarity of the image on the dome, along with an upgraded sound system that surrounded the audience and made them feel as if they were traveling through space," said Dr. Jason Speights associate professor of physics and director of the Planetarium. The program concluded with a Q&A session led by Speights.

The Planetarium revitalization project was made possible through a combination of funding sources, including generous private donor support and a federal community funding earmark.

Looking ahead, additional funding will support ongoing operations and further enhance the facility through the development of an exhibit hall in the atrium of the CCIT building. The exhibit hall will feature interactive displays and memorabilia from FSU alumnus and NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold '85, celebrating his achievements and inspiring future generations of scientists and explorers.

"This upgrade reflects the enormous collaborative effort of our facilities staff, IT professionals and colleagues in the Division of Advancement and Regional Engagement, whose hard work and dedication brought this vision to life," Speights said. "Their partnership helped create a space that will inspire curiosity and exploration for years to come."

Beginning in June, the Planetarium will be open to the public throughout the summer, offering regular programming for audiences of all ages. For showtimes and public programming, visit frostburg.edu/planetarium.