A Planetarium on Top of the World

Until last year, officials at the Tessmann Planetarium at Santa Ana College were ashamed to admit that their visitors’ video games created better images of the galaxy than they could.

Displays of the constellations on the planetarium ceiling relied on a projector that predates man’s landing on the moon, using lightbulbs almost impossible to find. Audio effects emanated from a cassette player.

But with $3 million in recent renovations -- including a $750,000 NASA grant for a new projection system -- the planetarium’s proud operators are looking for ways to bring in more folks so they can show off their goods.

Planetarium officials are brainstorming after-school, Saturday and night programs. Currently, most planetarium programs are conducted during school hours and are limited to large groups. Individuals can attend only by making reservations and if space in the group is available.

Officials are also considering expanding the planetarium’s hours, said Peter Bostic, Santa Ana College Foundation director. “We want to encourage kids, little and big, to study math and science. This is exactly the place where we can do it.”

In addition to the new projection system, planetarium operators refurbished the lobby and added plasma television screens. A new classroom and laboratory are planned. The improvements are winning attention. Attendance increased last year to 15,500, more than double what it was in 1999, said program director Don Prescott.

The new projection system also benefits the staff, he said. The old system required experienced hands to operate it, while the new one can be easily taught to part-time employees. As a result, it will be easier to hire more workers and add shows, Prescott said.

Stephen Eastmond, director of the planetarium and a professor of astronomy at Santa Ana College, said the old system did not even offer accurate positions of the planets and stars. Bulbs in the old projector regularly wore out and cost $500 to replace. The new $10 bulbs last three times as long, he said.

“Now it feels much like you are out in the desert. The stars are brighter and more accurate,” Eastmond said.

On a recent weekday, more than three dozen children from Oakwood Academy in Long Beach packed the auditorium.

Prescott showed the students a model of Earth and the sun, and another of the solar system. From seats set in a circle, the children looked up into the blackened dome of the planetarium and saw Mars and constellations such as the Little Dipper.

At the appearance of a blue, white and green globe shooting across the dome, the students’ response told Prescott that the renovations were reaping immediate benefits. With great zeal, the children shouted, “Earth!”