The Downing Planetarium: A New Astronomy Education Resource for Fresno, CA

The Downing Planetarium is the first facility in a new Central California Science Center planned for the California State University, Fresno campus. Construction of this \1.7 million project was primarily funded through a \1.1 million donation from Dr. F. Harold Downing. At the successful completion of construction, Dr. Downing also established a \$1 million endowment for the operation of the planetarium. The primary mission of the Downing Planetarium is public outreach. The planetarium is available to school and civic groups four days per week on a year-round basis and runs public programs most weekends. It has a 74-seat star theater with a 30-foot dome. The planetarium shows are run with a Minolta MS-8 star projector, two video projectors, and 29 computer-controlled slide projectors. Between May 2000, when the facility began giving skyshows for schools and the public, and March 2001, we have had over 23,000 visitors. Under construction is an adjacent observatory, with a 16-inch telescope planned for classes and undergraduate research.