CNHI
August 13, 2010 —
Morehead State University’s Space Science Center Star Theater has had a successful first year.
Nearly 13,000 visitors came to the MSU campus, according to Eric Thomas, Theater director. He stated 11,226 were either MSU or public school students while the other 1,627 were general public.
Students from 19 Kentucky counties - Bath, Boyle, Breathitt, Carter, Elliott, Fayette, Fleming, Greenup, Johnson, Lawrence, Lewis, Martin, Mason, Menifee, Morgan, Nicholas, Pendleton, Robertson and Rowan – and three Ohio counties saw programs in the theater.
“The Star Theater has exceeded all expectations for its first year,” said Dr. Ben Malphrus, chair of MSU’s Department of Earth and Space Sciences and director of the Space Science Center. “This success is a tribute to Eric Thomas' hard work and innovation.”
The center hosted two conferences that utilized the Star Theater - the Kentucky Science Teachers Association’s Mid-Winter Breakthrough and the Southeastern VHF Convention, an organization of Ham Radio operators from across the Southeastern United States. The theater provided live large group viewing via NASA TV of NASA launches of the Space Shuttle and Ares Test vehicle as well as a live broadcast of the LCROSS mission’s lunar impact, in addition to running a series of feature films designed for the 360 degree dome and Laser light shows.
Eight different MSU courses were held in the facility while the third Thursday program hosted faculty, staff and families.
“The Star Theater adds a new dimension to the community and is an asset for science education at the university and in the region,” said Thomas. “The public response is indicates that that there is a need for this type of venue and that the public is pleased with the programming, we are able to provide.
“The Star Theater represents an asset to public school teachers to assist in their efforts to improve science education. We hope to inspire students in East Kentucky to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines that are so important to our economy, our way of life, and our future.”
A total of 315 programs were held from July 1, 2009, through July 1, 2010.
Thomas stated the center has purchased a new program for elementary students (P-5), which will open in the fall along with other programs for middle, high school and MSU students.
Information on programs is available by visiting www.moreheadstate.edu/startheater/.
