PROCEEDINGS OF THE ANNUAL GLPA CONFERENCE
BUFFALO, NEW YORK
OCTOBER 18-22, 2022
Editors: Waylena McCully and Jackie Baughman
Invited Papers
2022 Armand Spitz Lecture
STORIES FROM A CHILD OF THE SPACE AGE
Dave Weinrich
Abstract: From time immemorial, stories have been part of all cultures around the world. Young children clamor for stories from their parents. Elders use stories to pass on their wisdom and cultural values to the next generation, providing a connection to the past and a conduit to the future. Stories add richness and meaning to our lives. As planetarian professionals, much of our time in the dome is spent telling stories, whether they be in the form of narratives that educate and entertain our audiences or the rich mythology of the night sky. In this talk, I will share some of the stories that have shaped and molded my personal and professional life, with the hope that you may find similar meaningful and personal perspectives in your own life.
ASTRONOMY UPDATE 2022
Shannon Schmoll
Abstract: Astronomy Update is an annual lecture at GLPA that dives deep into a few stories from the previous year in astronomy.
Contributed Papers
STARS IN THEIR EYES. ____ IN THEIR BRAINS?
Robert Bonadurer
Abstract: What do our planetarium visitors think about space? The planetarium? What do they love? What’s weird? What’s their favorite planet? Discover these answers and more in the Soref Planetarium’s Fun & Short Survey!
THEATER WITHIN THE PLANETARIUM: TURNING YOUR PLANETARIUM INTO A PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
Erin Brady
Abstract: Over the past three years, the Culp Planetarium has worked with the theater and music departments on campus to host different levels of performing arts events: from a student-led reading to an original play written by a theater professor to the premiere of the first opera conceived for a planetarium. This paper will share the different ways the planetarium was used in each event and the levels of involvement required, as well as the key points to consider when looking to host a performing arts event in your planetarium – a space not designed with these performances in mind.
WHO ARE WE MISSING, AND NOW WHAT?
Sally Brummel
Abstract: As part of a NASA grant, the Bell Museum collected data from seven planetarium member/visitor email lists (one per planetarium regional organization in the United States), as well as online survey panel data from residents in each area, to describe and compare those who do and do not visit planetariums. The results confirmed broad patterns found in studies of other informal learning institutions in that planetarium visitors were likely to be affluent, highly educated, and white. How can we expand these results to foster welcoming environments for a wide range of community members?
ASTRONOMY EDUCATION APPROACH AT THE BUFFALO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
Holly Cohen and Timothy Collins
Abstract: Over the past two years, the Buffalo Museum of Science has employed various methods to approaching post-Covid education in Astronomy. The audience is a full range of ages, and with assistance from our volunteers and partners from the Buffalo Astronomical Association we are working toward our goal within the Buffalo Eclipse Consortium for 2024. We focus mainly on our usage of the Kellogg Observatory and the Zygmunt Planetarium.
HOW WE CAN INCORPORATE MORE DESIGN THINKING IN OUR WORK AND BEYOND
Jean Creighton & Robin Mello
Abstract: We attended the Teaching and Learning Studio (TLS) Workshop on design thinking hosted by the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (a.k.a. d.school) at Stanford University. Design in this case is a verb used to define problems, solve problems, identify knowledge and skills, work with others, innovate, learn, and shape the future. We can all use this framework no matter what we do in our field. We will focus on some best practices for learning and problem solving both at work and in general.
STELLAR STARS: BRING THEM BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN
Katy Downing
Abstract: A common struggle among planetariums is getting audiences back into the dome after they have seen a show once or twice. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center has one solution to this problem with our show, Stellar Stars. Stellar Stars targets children ages 3 to 7 years old and takes them on a tour of the solar system over the course of 12 weeks. At the end of every show, they collect a sticker on their Stellar Stars Passport. The show topic rotates weekly, and currently families have 4 chances a week to catch the show. While we do not get thousands of visitors coming back for all twelve shows, we do get anywhere from five to thirty families completing their passport every year. In this paper I will discuss our show content and format for the pre-K/K age range, as well as our passport program and the successor to Stellar Stars: Mini Missions.
DOMECASTING IS FOR THE BIRDS!
Wayne Foster and Waylena McCully
Abstract: What began as a canceled 2020 birdwatching talk at Staerkel Planetarium in Champaign evolved into a successful live domecast shared with audiences in two domes. We plan to do it again, and to invite more domes to join in next time. Find out how you can join in, or how you can transform your dome into amore localized birding event.
LIVING IN BALANCE: A COLLABORATIVE PLANETARIUM SHOW ON ANISHINAABE STAR KNOWLEDGE
Shannon Schmoll and John French
Abstract: The Abrams Planetarium collaborated with Dr. Beth LaPensée to create a planetarium show on Anishinaabe Star Knowledge. The script and art was created by Dr. LaPensée and the show heavily features the Eastern dialect of Anishinaabemowin. It was narrated, reviewed, and approved by Anishinaabe elders and community members including Alphonse Pitawanakwat, Aarin Dokum, and Dr. Annette Lee. Abrams translated the assets into a show using Gimp and Digistar 6 programming. We took the information from Dr. LaPensée to develop an educator guide that accompanies the show. We are distributing it for free or low cost for anyone who is interested.
IPS 2024 IN BERLIN AND JENA
Anna Green
Abstract: This paper is to update the membership on the International Planetarium Society conference in 2024 that will take place in Berlin and Jena, Germany. IPS 2024 will be the first in person IPS conference since IPS 2018, and it is happening in the middle of the Centennial of the Planetarium! There will be many exciting opportunities for planetarians at IPS 2024 and GLPAns won’t want to miss out!
INTERGENERATIONAL INSPIRATION: SAFE SOLAR VIEWING, ASTRONOMY SLAM, & MORE
Melanie Isenbarger, Nicolette Terracciano, and Dayna Thompson
Abstract: As planetarians and educators, it is our mission to share our passion for space with our guests and support them in their journeys of lifelong learning in order to inspire the next generation of explorers. At the Charles W. Brown Planetarium, Ball State students engage the public with a new solar telescope purchased through support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), present an annual Astronomy Slam! where students share a piece of the universe through a friendly competition, and broadcast a virtual Constellation Crew live series to YouTube. This presentation is made possible by the IMLS.
DIY ASTRONOMY THEMED INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS
Renae Kerrigan
Abstract: Does your planetarium lobby or museum gallery need a little more interactivity? Folks of all ages benefit from hands on learning experiences. Learn about some low to high effort do-it-yourself interactive and kid friendly exhibit elements that the Peoria Riverfront Museum used in our Moon and Mars exhibitions, and how you may be able to adapt them for your purposes.
WHAT NOW? THE POST-PANDEMIC PLANETARIUM UNIVERSE
Mike Murray
Abstract: During the pandemic, Planetarians used their creativity and resourcefulness to remain connected and valued to their different audiences. Many of their methods involved virtual programming, both live and recorded. As we reopen our facilities to in-person experiences, many are finding that the future is not so much about a “return to normal” but instead an evolution into a new recipe of community engagement. In this presentation, we’ll explore what a new balance might look like.
LANIAKEA: TELLING THE CAPTIV ATING STORY
Martin Ratcliffe
Abstract: The discovery of our local supercluster, Laniakea, is a story of epic proportions, considerable effort, and is conceptually complex. This paper describes an approach, using simple visual steps, to introduce Laniakea to your audiences that builds a step-by-step story line, leading up to a grand view of our local universe that is both captivating, visually magnificent, and compelling. Beginning with our own Milky Way, we convey the greater distribution of galaxies in a way that becomes familiar. Carefully selected motions maintain a constant sight-line that prevents losing your audience in complexity and wraps with a new cosmic perspective.
ENGAGING STUDENTS IN SOUNDTRACK COMPOSITION IN THE DOME
Jennifer Sellers
Abstract: Have you ever watched a movie without a soundtrack? Probably not. Music is used to enhance the story and compliment the visuals. This is true for movies, television shows, commercials, and planetarium shows. Using this fundamental idea, we worked with middle school girls (grades 4-8) in our Full STEAHM Ahead Summer Workshop to compose a soundtrack for a short planetarium show.
THE PLANET THAT SHALL NOT BE NAMED
Mike Smail
Abstract: 242 years after its discovery, our Solar System’s seventh planet has become an afterthought in the planetarium world; a joke ceded to snickering middle schoolers. But at what cost? In the past year, the Planetary Science Decadal Survey decreed that a Flagship mission to this world is its highest priority. It’s time to get reacquainted with Uranus and reconnect your audiences with the mysteries of the outer Solar System.
INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN MYTH AND MUSIC
Dale W. Smith
Abstract: In the past year, I have supervised independent studies in myth and music. The myth study focused on Inuit mythology. The first music study led to an honors senior recital of an original composition on the nearest stars. The second music study is in progress and involves a composition on the planets.
USING GODOT GAME ENGINE TO CREATE A PLANETARIUM LIGHTING ENGINE
Buddy Stark
Abstract: I used the open-source Godot Game Engine to create an independent lighting engine, called Helios, for planetariums. This talk will briefly discuss how most planetarium lighting systems work before detailing how I used Godot to create Helios. I will discuss its current capabilities and limitations, and my hopes for what may come of it in the future. Information will be provided for anyone who wishes to use Godot to create their own lighting engine as well.
LANDSCAPES OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Dan Tell
Abstract: For the last decade the California Academy of Sciences has been exploring the ever-increasing capability of planetarium software to use high-resolution terrain data for the Earth and other worlds. In our latest live program for our Hohfeld Hall panoramic theater leverages the open source OpenSpace platform to take audiences on a new tour comparing and contrasting some of the most dramatic terrain features on Earth with their analogues elsewhere in the Solar System. The selection of sites and techniques to assemble this program will be examined, as well as additional tips for how anyone can use this data to create compelling stories or explore on their own.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF AUDIENCE OPINIONS ON DOME-BASED CAPTIONING OPTIONS
Jesica Trucks, Shannon Schmoll, and Katie Hinko
Abstract: The Big Astronomy Team strives to make our resources available to individuals with physical disabilities, by making our resources available to the blind and visually impaired (BVI) and deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) communities. We conducted research surrounding three captioning methods to ascertain how planetariums can implement each option and which method was preferred by the DHH community. We also researched the hands-on activities that were modified for the BVI community. With our results, planetariums can make informed decisions on which captioning method works with their planetarium and budget. In this paper, we are presenting our preliminary results from this research.
50 YEARS OF DISCOVERIES: CELEBRATING A HALF-CENTURY AT THE MSUM PLANETARIUM
Aubrie Vivant and Dr. Sara Schultz
Abstract: The MSUM Planetarium is officially fifty years old! The space has shifted drastically over the years, but its original purpose stands. This presentation will center on our 50th Anniversary and the many projects associated with our celebration. From video interviews with staff members from the very beginning to a “50 Years of Discoveries” show displaying the incredible advancements in astronomy since 1972 to fundraising efforts to purchase a laser system. Join us as we walk through our process, progress, challenges, successes and lessons learned. We remember and celebrate the past as we look to the future.
ASTEROIDS, METEORS, AND METEORITES, OH MI!
Shannon Schmoll and Craig A. Whitford
Abstract: Is there anyone reading this paper who has not held a meteorite? How many of you have meteorites on display in your planetarium? How many of you use meteorites in your outreach programs? In 2015 about a year after Dr. Shannon Schmoll joined the Abrams Planetarium as director, she was shown two Rubbermaid tubs that held meteorites of various types, descriptions and sizes wrapped in 20+ year-old newspaper. No meteorite can really be described as “ordinary” even though the ordinary chondrite is one of the three major types. For within these containers were remnants that fell on the Great Lakes state of Michigan. Named stones like Allegan, Grand Rapids, Iron River, Kalkaska, Reed City, Rose City and Seneca Township. Seven out of the nine named meteorites that make up Michigan’s extraterrestrial history. Colleagues advised her to box them up and send them to the Smithsonian. Instead, we decided to return them to public display within the Abrams Planetarium. This collection of 70+ meteorites, many collected in the late 19th and early 20th century, had been off display since the mid-1990s. The last inventory was created by Von Del Chamberlain in 1973 and since that time much had changed within science and the meteorite community. The time had come to share the only tangible evidence made of bits of stone and iron once again, rocks that had condensed and accumulated some 4.56 billion years ago from within the solar nebula.
NEREID: BRINGING TOGETHER EARTH AND SPACE RESEARCH, DATA, AND EDUCATION
Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht
Abstract: The Network for Earth-space Research Education and Innovation with Data (NEREID) is an interdisciplinary community centered around earth and space science data as well as research and education. NEREID is intentionally designed to bridge domains, connect professionals working in research, education, policy, and industry, and facilitate convergence across these domains and professions. In achieving its goals, NEREID cultivates a collaborative space for curious minds to discuss shared challenges and brainstorm creative solutions. Learn more about NEREID and its upcoming activities as well as how to get involved.
MEETING STANDARDS IN THE DOME
Diana Yoder
Abstract: We all love astronomy, that’s a given. But sometimes, it can feel like schools don’t care about it. With the importance of state testing and local or national standards, it can be difficult to justify teaching astronomy to PK-12 students. However, there are a plethora of ways to use astronomy topics to teach these standards. This talk will help you to find those justifications and point you in the right direction to get the resources you need to share a love of astronomy with your students.
THE GLPA EDUCATION AND STANDARDS E-HANDBOOK
Peggy Hernandez
Abstract: The GLPA Education Committee has created a Google slide deck that operates as a resource for any planetarian or vendor. It is a synthesis of the 2015 Astronomy Literacy: Essential Concepts for a K-12 Curriculum document and the NGSS Standards. Included are activities, visit tips and NGSS connections for each grade level. The document will be added to and updated periodically and is available on the GLPA website to download. Users can modify their downloaded copy to fit their needs. This paper session will walk through the document and point out its uses and benefits.
