UAF planetarium set for spring opening

UAF planetarium set for spring opening

A decades-long dream of a planetarium at the University of Alaska Museum of the North will come to fruition this spring when the University of Alaska Fairbanks opens the new 65-seat facility to the public.

The planetarium will be named for Walt and Marita Babula, the formerly anonymous donors whose $7.4 million donation is funding the construction. The couple's gift is the single largest ever to the University of Alaska from living individuals.

The project itself is a testament to the lasting impact of philanthropy in our community, said Mike Sfraga, UAF's interim chancellor.

"Aspirations and grand visions like our new planetarium can sometimes seem out of reach," he said. "We are so grateful for the partnership that has enabled Walt and Marita's vision to be realized and create this extraordinary place that will educate and inspire Alaskans and museum visitors for generations to come."

The planetarium is a collaboration between the museum and the UAF Geophysical Institute. The addition to the museum's west side will provide a new forum for highlighting UAF's research and Alaska's cultures.

"Most importantly, it will enable space science education opportunities for K-12 and higher education students," the Babulas said in a written statement. "We also envision the planetarium as a place that will spark the curiosity of Alaskans and visitors from around the globe about our Alaska culture and vast universe."

Walt Babula arrived in Fairbanks in 1970 and was stationed at Bassett Army Hospital at Fort Wainwright, becoming the post's first full-time orthodontist. He established Fairbanks Orthodontic Group in 1974 and has been providing orthodontic care to Interior Alaska families ever since.

Marita Babula began her career at Fort Wainwright in Army Community Services but later transitioned into a full-time position as office manager and treatment coordinator for Fairbanks Orthodontic Group.

Among their many contributions, the Babulas also made possible the Babula Children's Garden at UAF's Georgeson Botanical Garden.

"Fairbanks has been home to us for decades," the couple wrote in a statement. "We are pleased to give back to a community that we love."

The 5,700-square-foot planetarium will include an 11-meter dome, two high-resolution projectors, four image-generation computers and theater-quality sound.

In addition to being a draw for visitors to Interior Alaska, the planetarium will also serve prekindergarten-12th grade school groups, UAF students and faculty, and host special events.

"The planetarium at the museum will celebrate our science and stories born right here in Alaska," said newly hired planetarium director Omega Smith. "I look forward to fueling the curiosity of students, faculty, the broader Fairbanks community and the tens of thousands of visitors who come for a unique Alaska experience."

Growing the planetarium's content will involve partnerships among the museum, the Geophysical Institute and other UAF departments, Smith said. The programs will not only showcase the groundbreaking work of university researchers and space science but will also highlight Alaska's rich cultural heritage.

"As a lifelong Alaskan who grew up beneath the northern lights, I'm honored to be this planetarium's first director," she said. "I'm deeply grateful to the donors whose astronomical generosity is helping bring to life a long-held vision of the Geophysical Institute and UA Museum of the North."

Additional donors to the project include the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and longtime UAF supporters Sarah and Cary Keller. The trust pledged nearly $500,000 toward the planetarium's projection and sound systems. The Kellers committed $250,000 to fund the planetarium director position. Other contributors include the Michael and Lynn Rice Estate, Davis Constructors & Engineers, and RESPEC.

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Omega Smith, [email protected]; Patrick Druckenmiller, [email protected]

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