Diane Swan, president of STARS to STEM Incorporated, has been working tirelessly for six years to reopen the planetarium after its closing in 2014. The short solar system-themed hallway no one walks down and the arch ceilinged classroom solely known for housing ARC has been described by Ms. Swan as, “untapped potential that just has been sitting here.”
Now the space has been used for numerous summer showings. During July and August this past summer they put on shows every Thursday and Friday.
The shows are facilitated by Kyra Elliot, the planetarium director who is excited to share the new technology that they have only had for a year. It has the same content as all of the big planetariums but in a portable form. Ms. Elliot uses a Xbox controller to maneuver through space and inside planets on the projector from what she refers to as “the Cadillac of software.” Ms. Elliot worked in planetariums before when she volunteered at the Mystic Seaport in high school and later did a summer program with a digital software. She explored different jobs in the small field for 12 years but decided to take a break to pursue other careers.
She returns to the field as the only paid employee of STARS to STEM.
With welcoming staff and incredible animation, many guests have come back with raving reviews or stayed for multiple shows in a row. One of the shows the planetarium features is “Oasis in Space.” The room has a dome-shaped ceiling onto which the software technology projects each show. Chairs and bean bags are placed throughout the room which allow for each guest to sit comfortably. Each show includes a 30-minute animation and 30 minutes of Ms. Elliot taking guests on a tour of the galaxy by explaining how to view different constellations from Niantic.
“I’m excited about it, and when I see everyone coming out, especially young people I get really excited. It’s a wasted asset not being used,” STARS to STEM secretary and treasurer Linda Raff said.
In order to start running shows the non-profit was able to raise over $35,000. Ms. Raff came to one of the first shows years ago and was interested in helping with anything that was available to educate children.
“Our goal is to enter into a formal agreement with the Board of Education so we can continue to apply for grants. We are limited in receiving grants because of the fact that we don’t have a fixed location,” Ms. Swan said.
The team has been working hard to get support from members of the BOE in order to further expand the planetarium.
“We want to maintain the planetarium as an asset not only to students but to residents and all of New London County,” Ms. Swan said. Ms. Swan hopes to integrate this technology into classes at ELHS including astronomy and anatomy classes, and sees it as a great opportunity for ELHS students. Ms. Elliot is able to train teachers and students on the software and allow for this space to be used on a daily basis, while keeping the space flexible, as it now is home to the Coastal Connections program.
