The Von Karman Line, or "the edge of space," is only sixty-two miles above sea level. For those living in the Sandhills, the great frontier will get even closer with the Grand-Reopening of Fayetteville State University's Planetarium on May 15.

Closed since 2017, when major renovations to the Charles A. Lyons Science Building began, the planetarium has received some major upgrades during the hiatus.

"Our university prioritized making sure the planetarium was a part of the renovation process," said Dr. Jonathan Breitzer, assistant professor of Chemistry and Planetarium director.
In addition to new seating, the planetarium boasts ten new projectors, a high-resolution computerized system that captures the deep black of space and a 6500-watt sound system for an experience that's truly out of this world.

Planetarium Manager and Instructor of Astronomy Joseph Kabbes was brought on board just as the planetarium closed its doors and was hugely instrumental in its extreme makeover.

"With the old system, we could only show the stars from earth due to the mechanical limits of the projector," explained Breitzer. The projector ran on gears; you'd have to calibrate it to make sure Mercury was in the right spot. Everything is calculated with the new computerized system, and we're not just confined to the earth. We can go to different planets; we can even go outside the galaxy."

Breitzer, who ran the planetarium alone for six years before Kabbes was hired, feels the planetarium is essential in maintaining the connection between the community and FSU and called it a "great public service."

"Historically, the planetarium has been a way to connect people with our university and get them interested in science," said Breitzer. "It's been here since the 1980s, but not many people knew about it. We reached out to schools and homeschool groups and it's grown from there."

"When I was five years old, in Chicago, I couldn't wait to go to the planetarium as soon as I was old enough to get in. I thought it was the coolest thing ever, and it made me want to be a scientist. I want to be able to give that back," Breitzer explained.

To further capitalize on the planetarium's wow factor, the date for its grand re-opening corresponds with a major astronomical event: May 15 is the night of a lunar eclipse.

The partial eclipse will begin at 10:27 p.m., with totality occurring at 11:29 p.m. The planetarium will have telescopes available to view the event, and even those without show tickets are more than welcome to join.
Breitzer shared a few tips for guests to observe before arriving at the planetarium: "Like any theater experience, try to remain quiet during the presentation, put away cell phones."
Ultimately, Bretitzer hopes people arrive ready to be amazed and leave with more knowledge about our place in the cosmos.

"I know I've failed as a teacher if there aren't lots of hands in the air after a presentation," Breitzer joked. "Bring your questions, your curiosity and your sense of wonder. It's a place where everyone is valued, and where everyone is treated as a scientist.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children and can be purchased on the planetarium's website, www.uncfsu.edu/community/planetarium.
The planetarium is located at W.T Brown Drive in the Charles A. Lyons Science Building on FSU's campus.