Eastern Kentucky Science Center-December 2004

During Christmas vacation, Dave Richards, Don Kemper, and I made a visit to the East Kentucky Science Center.  I can't think of a technology they don't have at this facility or aren't making plans to install.  It is a real treasure in the heart of the Kentucky bluegrass.  Located just over one hour from Huntington, this facility is a technological smorgasbord and the staff knows how to use it.  I have visited many planetariums and believe me, we are fortunate to have this facility so close to us.  Eric Thomas and Ray Shubinski gave us the red carpet treatment.  I hope that OVAS and the EKSC can work on many projects together in the future.  Eric gave us the full tour of the facility.  It is mind boggling as to how much equipment is on hand.  Every sort of image processing, sound enhancing, video producing, visual projection machine you can think of is on hand and in use.  We enjoyed the "Star of Bethlehem" presentation which showcased the video, still image, and stellar projection capabilities of the planetarium.  Oh yeah, the sound was great, too!  If you want the details on the facility please check out the EKSC home page. 

 

You should have seen Don using his Civil War scope during the show to see deep sky objects. 
Like always, he said he could see them, and I doubt his story.  Eric and Ray recommend bringing opera glasses or compact sport binos for viewing deep sky objects that are projected.  Another treat was to see the Southern Hemisphere sky!  Wow, to see the Magellanic clouds just floating in the sky---what a treat!  The "Star of Bethlehem" is the first production made exclusively by the staff at the center.  It is obvious that there is a passion for the science education that is taking place here.  The image at right shows Dave and Don taking in the master controls within the dome.  The merging of science and art is truly incredible in our days.  We are fortunate to have presented science and technology in such a beautiful and entertaining format.  I hope you get a chance to visit the EkSC in the near future.  Hopefully, OVAS and EKSC can put on a great Astronomy Day together in 2005!  Thanks Eric and Ray for the tour, it was great!