Planetarium at UAMN

The sun sets behind the UA Museum of the North. — UAF photo by Maureen McCombs
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FAQs

I hear that UAF is getting a planetarium! Is this true?

Yes! Installing a planetarium on campus has been a University goal for over 40 years.

The planetarium is a collaboration between the UA Museum of the North and the Geophysical Institute. Given the university’s unique position and expertise in the aurora and geophysics, a planetarium will add a creative new way to bring research and educational programming to the community.

Funding, thanks to an anonymous donor, has now been secured, the UA Board of Regents have approved the plan, and the dream is now becoming a reality!

Click here for UAF press release

Where will it be located?

The state-of-the-art planetarium will be an addition to the west end of the UA Museum of the North with current plans for a 65-seat capacity under a 10-meter dome.

Sketch of UAMN with proposed planetarium attached. — Drawing by BDS Architects
The planetarium is slated for construction on the west side of the UAMN. In this drawing, it is pictured on the far left.

When will it happen?

Initial groundwork began in September 2024 with construction slated to be completed in late 2025. Opening is expected in 2026.

Will I be able to visit the planetarium?

Yes! The UAMN will offer planetarium shows and programming to Fairbanks community members and Alaska visitors from across the globe. Local audiences include K-12 students, military families, and UAF students and faculty. Visitors from outside of Interior Alaska will include national and international travelers who are eager to experience Alaska during all months of the year. Additionally, the planetarium will be a resource for scientists and faculty members for classroom use and outreach.

What will I be able to see in the planetarium?

The planetarium will be a resource to share science content from around the world, as well as to highlight areas of interest in Alaska. We hope to bring creative new programming to Fairbanks, while also offering content unique to Alaska that highlights the expertise and research happening here at UAF. Programming will highlight the aurora, astronomy, and a myriad of other Arctic research areas at UAF.

Project Updates

Spring 2024-Davis Constructors & Engineers named as general contractor.
August 2024-M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust approves funding for dome & projection equipment.
September 2024-Groundbreaking has begun!

How can I learn more?

We will share updates as the project progresses!

For more information, contact ua-museum@alaska.edu.