The Southworth Planetarium was built in 1969, when the new Science Building was constructed on the University of Southern Maine campus. The Planetarium was originally equipped with only a star projector, theater seating, and one slide projector. Since then, our 30 foot dome has grown to include over 50 slide and special effects projectors, 3 video projectors, an all-sky system, a state-of-the-art laser system, digital sound system, and a new star projector.

In 1989, the old Spitz star projector was removed and replaced with a Zeiss/Jena ZKP-2. The installation took two weeks and was done by an East German technician who spoke no English! The new star projector shows the night sky realistically with over 5000 stars, plus the Moon, Sun, and planets.

New theater seating was installed in November 1995, replacing what were undoubtedly the most uncomfortable chairs in the world.

The Southworth Planetarium attracts over 18,000 people annually. School children, young people and adults have experienced the wonder of the universe in our star theater.

BACK TO HOME

Theater Images
Planetarium Theater
Planetarium Control Panel
Zeiss/Jena ZKP-2 Star Projecter




Director:
Email planetarium comments to:
Email web site comments to:
 Jerry LaSala,  Director (lasala@usm.maine.edu) 
Edward Gleason, Manager (egleason@usm.maine.edu)