The Dayna & Ronald L. Sawyer Planetarium combines a 16 million pixel E&S Laser Projector system, the revolutionary software of Digistar 3, and a 12 m curved screen to bring the universe to your fingertips. Visitors can visit planets in and outside our solar system, fly through the stars, review constellations, learn about secrets of the universe, and much more. Audiences can participate in a Q&A at the end of each program. The main entrance to the Planetarium is on the Lower Level.
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The Foucault Pendulum is named after physicist Jean Bernard Leon Foucault and is sponsored by the Anderson/Feazel Family and Anderson Oil & Gas. The pendulum uses principles of physics to prove the rotation of Earth. Foucault first demonstrated this in 1851 in Paris and this was the first time direct proof of the Earth’s rotation was shown (as opposed to astronomical observations). The pendulum uses a combination of sensors and electromagnets to continuously swing otherwise it would eventually slow to a stop.
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The Animal Enclosures contain a variety of animals, most of which are native to Northwest Louisiana. There are both venomous and non-venomous snakes, frogs, anoles, a box turtle, and alligators. The staff often take out select animals as part of the daily interactions with visitors, but you are always welcome to ask staff to bring an animal out again in case you missed the interaction.
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The Peggy & Aaron Selber Space Walk is a nearly 15-foot long tunnel that combines a scintillating array of lights and specialized mirrors to replicate a star-field in all directions. Visitors can become breathless as they “walk among the stars.”
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The Peggy and Joe Averett Solar Observatory is a multifaceted observatory located on our rooftop and includes a cluster of exhibits located outside the Space Dome Planetarium whose purpose is to enlighten visitors about our closest star, the Sun. Visitors can: explore stories from different cultures about the Sun, examine updates on solar spaceweather and phenomenon, view the sky in real-time through cameras inside the rooftop observatory telescope, and view real-time NASA satellites feeds of the Sun.
Supported Layouts and Capacities