Boston's Hayden Planetarium Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The Charles Hayden Planetarium at the Boston Museum of Science celebrated its 30th birthday last Saturday, kicking off a month of activities to popularize astronomy and

In honor of the planetarium's birthday, Boston and Cambridge proclaimed October "Celebrate the Universe" month. Commemorative events set for the next few weeks include a telescope open house, a lecture by NASA astronaut Ken Bowersox and a concert of New Age music.

Although the Museum of Science may seem remote from the Yard, it plays a role in several undergraduate astronomy courses.

"We don't need [a planetarium] at Harvard, we have an excellent one right there," said Professor of Astronomy Owen J. Gingerich, who has taken his Science A-17 students to the planetarium every fall for the last 20 years.

Astronomical Concepts

Gingerich, who chairs the facility's scientific advisory committee, said some astronomical concepts can be demonstrated at the planetarium in ways that would be otherwise impossible. The committee develops new ideas, checks facts and organizes lecture series.

Spokesman Jeanne B. Chenoweth said the planetarium has several shows designed for college students, including the "Rainbow Cadenza"--a laser light show set to classical music--and rock music presentations such as "Moon Rock" and laser Pink Floyd.

Public Schools

Over the past 30 years, the Hayden Planetarium has also supplemented the science curriculum of the Cambridge public schools, said Albert H. Giroux, director of public relations for the Cambridge school system. He said the planetarium provides free field trips for students and hosts teacher workshops. It is currently showing an exhibit of "dinosaur art" from the Cambridge elementary schools, he added.

The planetarium was founded in 1958 with a $500,000 grant given by Charles Hayden with the stipulation that it be matched by $500,000 in additional gifts. Before then, one small planetarium on Newbury Street served the entire Boston area.