Science Museum unveils remodeled Seymour PlanetariumDate: 5/2/2023 SPRINGFIELD — For decades, attendees of the Springfield Science Museum basked in luminous stars and planets featured in the Seymour Planetarium. The local staple is now embracing a modern redux thanks to the support of state and federal grant funding and donations from private parties. The grants include $750,000 secured by U.S. Sens. Edward Markey (D-Malden) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Cambridge) and $100,000 from the state government.
The Springfield Science Museum celebrated the new planetarium’s debut during an April 28 press conference before unveiling it to the public on April 29, which is also Astronomy Day worldwide. The museum intends for the remodeled planetarium to maintain its time-honored appeal while embracing new modes of education and accessibility.
Springfield Science Museum Director Jenny Powers and STEM Curator Kevin Kopchynski discussed some of the planetarium’s features during a preview exhibition. Previously, the museum’s various space displays operated entirely through the Korkosz projector. The “star ball” device was made locally by Stanley and Frank Korkosz and has been operational since the planetarium’s debut in 1937.
While new upgrades are present throughout the Seymour Planetarium, Powers ensured attendees that the Korkosz projector will still be operational for presentations. A state-of-the-art Zeiss video system now accents the projector’s services, with both mediums working in tandem to provide an enhanced experience.
“One of the most amazing things about our new Zeiss is that we can use it with our star ball projector. ... You can see our two projectors working together,” said Powers.
“They both model the same sky. It is a testament to Frank [and Stanley] Korkosz’s work that what he did in 1937 matches so well with this super modern system,” said Kopchynski.
The new Zeiss system enters a new orbit of opportunities for the Seymour Planetarium. A wide breadth of programming embedded within the device showcases a greater focus on cultural representation, such as a show called Wayfarers that represents a philosophy on space from the perspective of the indigenous population. In addition, the planetarium now includes presentations delivered entirely in Spanish and another developed for vison-impaired guests.
“We are hoping that this is also going to help us increase representation in the planetarium,” said Powers.
The Springfield Science Museum also underwent updates to the interactive International Space Station exhibit to accompany the revitalized planetarium.
Springfield Museums President Kay Simpson celebrated the new additions alongside state Sen. Jacob Oliveria (D-Longmeadow), state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez (D-Springfield) and Daryl Williams, a representative for state Rep. Bud Williams (D-Springfield).
Simpson considered the debut of the modernized planetarium a “historic day” for the museum. She said the Korkosz projector was made locally because the museum could not afford state-of-the-art equipment in the 1930s.
“We are so fortunate that we were able to receive funding through federal and state earmarks so we could finally purchase the Zeiss projector. ... We have come full circle,” said Simpson.
González highlighted the Springfield Museums as a critical tourist and education destination. He shared that tourism represents the third-largest industry in Massachusetts.
“Having these locations to bring people from across the world to visit is so critical and important,” said González.
Oliveria, vice chair of the state Legislature’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee, reflected on growing up as a frequent attendee of the Springfield Science Museum as a youth. He said the modernized planetarium continues the museum’s mission of innovation and education.
“I am glad so many families can explore the opportunities of space that we have at the Springfield Museums,” said Oliveria.
Readers can learn more about the Springfield Science Museum at springfieldmuseums.org/about/springfield-science-museum.
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