10/14/2003

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU TO HOST PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE FOR NEWLY RENOVATED PLANETARIUM

            SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. –Slippery Rock University’s department of chemistry and physics will host an open house from 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 23 for the recently renovated Vincent Science Hall Planetarium. The public is welcome.

The 36-year-old planetarium has received new control electronics and a modern audio system, including wireless microphones. The final phase of the renovation included installation of 49 specially designed chairs, new flooring and painting. The room was rearranged as an oval-shape to aid viewing.       

           “These upgrades will help us better prepare elementary education majors who will teach science, and it will advance our earth and space secondary science education program,” says Dr. Ben Shaevitz, professor of chemistry and physics. He says the university eventually hopes add an astronomy minor and offer planetarium visits as part of on-campus recruiting.

The renovated planetarium will allow visitors to view the changing sky with ease and comfort, as a projector presents the relative position and brightness of thousands of stars and planets.

PR, PN, PgN, RL