One Giant Leap: New Planetarium And Astronomy Center Unveiled At Stamford Museum & Nature Center

STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford Museum and Nature Center took a giant leap Thursday night with the unveiling of its brand new, state-of-the-art, $16 million planetarium and astronomy center, which figures to be a beacon for children and adults alike for generations to come.

Founding investors and other officials who helped bring the project to fruition gathered Thursday at the center for a grand opening event and to tour the three-story, 11,000-square-foot facility.

Construction began in May 2023 after the abandoned Stamford Observatory was demolished. The SM&NC first had to remove the historic 22-inch Gregory-Maksutov Telescope from the observatory.

The 100-seat planetarium features a 40-foot diameter planetarium dome, complete with two 4K digital projects for full dome imagery and video, along with a fully immersive surround-sound system.

Shows at the planetarium will include live/interactive astronomer-run planetarium presentations, as well as pre-recorded full-dome films. All shows will be preceded by a brief live segment that introduces audiences to the night sky.

Rather than a partially enclosed dome, the observatory deck has a rollback roof to allow for a more open view of the sky. Situated on the observatory deck is a 14-inch diameter Schmidt-Cassegrain reflecting telescope, which visitors can use to observe the moon, planets, nebulas, and more, with the assistance of the center's astronomers.

There is also a 152 mm diameter Lunt H-alpha solar telescope, which can filter out 99 percent of the sun's light for safe solar viewing.

Two classrooms, scenic outdoor terraces, an elevator, a lobby gallery and a gift shop complete the building.

A brief ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the planetarium, with guests seated in angled chairs.

Speakers reflected back on the project, which is part of phase 2 of the museum's master plan that launched in 2008, and also looked forward to what the new building will mean for not only Stamford, but the entire region.

SM&NC CEO Melissa Mulrooney thanked the board, her staff, and the architectural firm TSKP Studios out of Hartford, for helping to bring the project along. She also thanked the founding investors.

"Because of you, we have turned a vision into reality, ideas into experience, and dreams into opportunities that will inspire generations of learners and families," Mulrooney said.

Mulrooney told Patch the museum had been operating in three key areas during her 20-year tenure: cultural and fine arts, environmental education and agricultural education.

"The thing that has been missing is the fourth wheel, and that is astronomy. Putting the fourth wheel on this mission, we're zooming. It is rebalancing everything else," Mulrooney added. "This is pure joy."

Education will be a major focal point for the center.

According to the SM&NC, 3,138 students are already scheduled to participate in astronomy-based programs, with nearly 1,500 of them coming between Nov. 17 and Dec. 20 alone.

There are 80 programs booked, representing 32 schools and groups from 11 school districts across Connecticut and New York.

SM&NC's Director of Astronomy Charles Eder said he's excited to get to work.

"I love having the opportunity to build the astronomy program from the ground up," said Eder, who was hired this past August. "I'm very excited to control what our program is going to be, and really work with the rest of the property on making it have not only astronomy, but also to incorporate the environmental aspects of the nature center."

According to Eder, there will be public shows in the planetarium Wednesday-Friday in the afternoon, as well as Friday evenings.

The observatory will be open as long as the sky is clear. Additionally on Friday nights, there will be a laser show and musical experience at 9 p.m. for those who aren't interested in the astronomy component.

SM&NC members can view planetarium shows beginning Nov. 15 and Nov. 16.

The SM&NC will unveil the new facility to the community with two festival days -- Astro Fest -- on Nov. 22 and Nov. 30.

Mayor Caroline Simmons also spoke briefly during Thursday's unveiling, and she called the center "a big deal for our city." She praised the project team for "overcoming challenges of high construction costs and inflation."

"This is an incredible addition to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. This is the only planetarium and astronomy center in our entire region, and a major source of pride for the city of Stamford, for our community," Simmons added. "What an extraordinary opportunity for students to get to come learn about space and the universe and STEM programming... I can't wait to see all the learning and joy and magic that takes place in this beautiful center."

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4), who helped secure funding for the project, complemented Stamford and those who contribute to worthy causes.

"I can't tell you how grateful I am for the civic mindedness of all that you do to make this truly an amazing city," he said.

Himes recalled going to the Hayden Planetarium in New York City as a young child in the 1970s.

"I was transformed by that experience. My mind had been opened, and in the hour I spent in that room, I was interested in science," he said. "Being exposed to what so many young people are going to see here is transformative."

Himes cautioned that although the project is now complete, some funding is still needed to cover costs.

"I'm going to put my shoulder to the wheel on that," he said. "We need to continue to dig deep to make sure this is all it can be."

Michael and Carole Fedele helped co-chair the capital campaign for the project.

"For us, this is personal. But it's also a gift to the community - a place where children and families can explore together, ask questions and share moments of inspiration," said Carol.

SM&NC Board President Douglas York called the opening of the center "an enormous milestone achievement in our 90-year history."

"The great Stephen Hawking encouraged people to look up at the stars and not down at your feet, urging curiosity about the universe's existence," York said.

"Tonight, as a result of individual, private, public, elected official, and government support, passion, and commitment, and funding, we all begin to look up at the stars."

For more information about the Stamford Museum and Nature Center's new planetarium and astronomy center, visit their website.