Construction on the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Planetarium commences
New Planetarium Takes Shape at University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is set to open a new planetarium in spring 2026, marking an exciting addition to the campus and the Fairbanks community.
The project, which began construction in late 2024, is primarily funded by a $7.4 million anonymous private donation. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has pledged nearly $500,000 towards the planetarium's projection and sound systems. Longtime UAF boosters, Sarah and Cary Keller, have also shown their support, committing $125,000 to fund the planetarium manager position.
The anonymous donor's generosity and shared enthusiasm for science inspired Sarah and Cary Keller to support the planetarium project. The Kellers' donation, along with those from other donors and contractors, demonstrates the planetarium's importance to the Fairbanks community.
Elaine Charpentier Philippi, senior program officer for education and leadership development at the Murdock Trust, expressed her support for the collaborative and innovative work of the Geophysical Institute and Museum of the North. She also praised the project, stating, "The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is delighted to partner with UAF to bring this state-of-the-art facility to the community."
The planetarium will house an 11-meter dome, two projectors, four image-generation computers, and theater-quality surround-sound audio with built-in lighting systems. The seating capacity of the planetarium is on par with the UAA Planetarium and Visualization Theater.
UAF Geophysical Institute Director Robert McCoy is looking forward to the variety of content programming that will be featured at the planetarium, especially subjects relating to Alaska and the Arctic. He believes that donor support will help elevate the programming at the planetarium.
Patrick Druckenmiller, the museum's director, shares McCoy's enthusiasm. He stated, "The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has been an incredible partner on the planetarium project, and we are grateful for their support."
As construction continues, the community eagerly awaits the opening of the new planetarium in spring 2026. With its advanced technology and focus on local subjects, it promises to be a valuable educational resource for the Fairbanks community and beyond.
