Spartanburg Opens $15M Public Library Planetarium Maker Space

Spartanburg, South Carolina, has opened a new $15 million planetarium and maker space attached to its public library, making it only the second such combined facility in the U.S. The 50-foot dome seats 135 people and uses NASA imagery to project real-time views of the night and day sky, offering a unique educational experience free to the public. The facility also includes the Kitty Black Perkins Maker Lab, equipped with advanced tools like 3D printers and embroidery machines, honoring the Spartanburg native who created the first Black Barbie doll. Meanwhile, other planetariums across the country are upgrading their facilities, such as Wayne State College's Fred G. Dale Planetarium with a high-definition projection system and immersive astronomy software. The Arizona Science Center unveiled the Dorrance DOME, a 60-foot, 8K LED digital dome featuring NASA and NOAA real-time data, offering diverse programming including science shows, immersive concerts, and yoga classes under the dome. These developments reflect a growing trend towards creating advanced, interactive public science and cultural spaces that engage communities in learning and entertainment.