New Planetarium at UAF Set to Open in Spring 2026

New planetarium at UAF set to open in spring 2026

A new planetarium at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is expected to open to the public in spring 2026, expanding science education and outreach opportunities in Interior Alaska.

The Walt and Marita Babula Planetarium is under construction as an addition to the west side of the University of Alaska Museum of the North on the UAF campus in Fairbanks. The 65-seat facility will feature an 11-meter dome, high-resolution projection systems and theater-quality sound.

The project is funded in part by a $7.4 million gift from Walt and Marita Babula, the largest donation to the University of Alaska from living individuals. Additional support has come from donors including the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, longtime museum supporters Sarah and Cary Keller, and others.

Once complete, the planetarium will serve UAF students and faculty, K-12 school groups, community members and visitors from across Alaska and beyond. The facility will be used for immersive science programming, including astronomy, space science, and exhibitions that highlight Alaska's cultural and natural heritage.

The planetarium is a collaboration between the UA Museum of the North and the UAF Geophysical Institute. For more details on the planetarium project and its expected opening, see the full Aurora magazine article.

Read more: "Coming soon: Out-of-this-world experience at new UAF planetarium"