Planetarium FAQs & project updates

FAQs

I hear that 91ԭ�� is getting a planetarium! Is this true?

Yes! Installing a planetarium on campus has been a University goal for over 40 years.

The planetarium is a collaboration between the UA Museum of the North and the Geophysical Institute. Given the university’s unique position and expertise in the aurora and geophysics, a planetarium will add a creative new way to bring research and educational programming to the community.

Funding, thanks to donors Walt and Marita Babula, has been secured, the UA Board of Regents approved the plan, and the dream is now becoming a reality!

Read the 91ԭ�� press release (Feb 2024) and learn about project donors (June 2025).

Update: Planetarium name and announcement (October 30, 2025)

Where will it be located?

The state-of-the-art planetarium will be an addition to the west end of the UA Museum of the North with current plans for a 65-seat capacity under a 10-meter dome.

When will it happen?

Sketch of UAMN with proposed planetarium attached. — Drawing by BDS Architects
The planetarium is slated for construction on the west side of the UAMN. In this drawing, it is pictured on the far left.

Initial groundwork began in September 2024 with construction slated to be completed in late 2025. Opening is expected in 2026.

Will I be able to visit the planetarium?

Yes! The UAMN will offer planetarium shows and programming to Fairbanks community members and 91ԭ�� visitors from across the globe. Local audiences include K-12 students, military families, and 91ԭ�� students and faculty. Visitors from outside of Interior 91ԭ�� will include national and international travelers who are eager to experience 91ԭ�� during all months of the year. Additionally, the planetarium will be a resource for scientists and faculty members for classroom use and outreach.

What will I be able to see in the planetarium?

The planetarium will be a resource to share science content from around the world, as well as to highlight areas of interest in 91ԭ��. We hope to bring creative new programming to Fairbanks, while also offering content unique to 91ԭ�� that highlights the expertise and research happening here at 91ԭ��. Programming will highlight the aurora, astronomy, and a myriad of other Arctic research areas at 91ԭ��.

Project updates

Spring 2024-Davis Constructors & Engineers named as general contractor.
August 2024-M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust approves funding for dome & projection equipment.
September 2024-Pre-construction work begins (site prep, sidewalk demo, totem pole move).
May 2025-Groundbreaking
Summer 2025-Construction
- Exterior shell complete
November 2025-Dome has been delivered
December 2025-Dome and sound system installation complete!
January 2026-Projectors are going in
March 2026 - Installation is complete
April 2026 - Programs are being developed
April 25th 2026 - Grand Opening!

Concrete inside planetarium

Scaffolding to build planetarium dome

How can I learn more?

Learn more about UAMN's space science outreach and find activities on our Space Science Outreach page!
Discover resources from the group.

For more information, contact ua-museum@alaska.edu.