FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – Science Central received a large shipment Monday morning that brings the company one step closer to its goal of building the only public planetarium in northeast Indiana.

Science Central staff say they now have all the parts they need to start work on the planetarium, which has been in the works for over a year.

The project was first announced in August 2023, with the groundbreaking ceremony taking place the following month.

The 165 square meter planetarium will be crowned by a dome 6.45 meters high and 8.5 meters wide. About 60 people can enjoy the spectacle at a time, which will be equipped with a Digistar digital projection system and a Starball projector from the University of Saint Francis.

Managing Director Martin Fisher says they are excited about Monday’s delivery as it marks the official start of construction on the long-awaited project.

Fisher tells us he hopes the planetarium will open by the end of this year or early 2025.

He says access to the planetarium is included in the general admission price. Tickets purchased online cost $11 for children ages three and up and $10 for those ages 65 and up. If you buy tickets at the door, the ticket price increases by $1. Children under two are admitted free.

Fisher points out, however, that there are additional charges for special events with school classes and digital film screenings.

They will also add a laser system to the planetarium for entertaining musical-themed laser shows, Fisher says.

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