| The Hatter Planetarium,
located in the north wing of Masters Hall, was built in 1966, with a generous
gift from Mr. and Mrs. George G. Hatter. The 32-foot square chamber is
topped by a hemispherical projection dome 30 feet in diameter, which serves
as a projection screen for a Spitz A-3P planetarium projector located at
its center.
The projector can simulate the sky as it appears at any time of day
or night, for any time in the past or future, and from any point on the
Earth. The celestial motions can be accelerated so that centuries can be
observed in the span of minutes. Analytical scales and diagrams can be
projected to explain how man studies the heavens. A celestial coordinate
system, ecliptic, and meridian projectors complement the main projector
to allow, among other things, accurate sky measurements. The Planetarium
also contains a sophisticated sound system, auxiliary projection system,
and other devices that allow special effects such as twilight, meteor shows,
comets and aurora. Rows of seats circling the room provide comfortable
seating for one hundred.
The facility is used for public sky shows, open to the College and
off-campus communities. It is also used to illustrate the motions of the
heavens to introductory astronomy classes. In addition, many pre-school,
elementary and high school groups from the area visit Hatter Planetarium
during the school year for talks and demonstrations on the heavens.
Any students interested in learning to use the
Planetarium, or wanting to help produce shows or build equipment, should contact
Ian
Clarke or Larry
Marschall.
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Guide to Physics
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