NEWS RELEASE
November 29, 2012 Contact: Frank Murray, 542-4835
Columbia Basin College will dedicate the new Bechtel National Planetarium with a grand opening Wednesday, December 5th, at 10 a.m.
The $1.3-million construction project began last June and was funded by Bechtel National Inc., the Community Enrichment Foundation, and the CBC Foundation. The structure is connected to CBC's D building and features a Spitz XD high definition projection system, considered the finest in the industry. The dome is 36 feet in diameter, one of the largest in the state of Washington. The planetarium can seat up to 100 participants, making it the largest planetarium/digital theatre in the state.
Astronauts Charlie Duke and Story Musgrave will address the dedication ceremony along with CBC officials and donors. The planetarium was built to increase interest in math and science education through the Astronomy program and as a community resource.
Following the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, a film festival will run from 12:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Included will be The Wonder of it All, Black Hole, and 41.
The dedication ceremony is open to the public.