East Kentucky Science Center facts for kids
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| Established | March 2004 |
|---|---|
| Location | 7 Bert T. Combs Drive, Prestonsburg, Kentucky 41653 |
| Type | Science center, planetarium |
The East Kentucky Science Center is a cool place where you can learn about science! It has a planetarium and lots of exhibits. It is located in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, on the campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College.
Since 2008, the college has been in charge of running and funding the Science Center. It has a planetarium, an exhibit hall with different displays, science classrooms, and a gift shop.
Contents
How the Science Center Started
Why It Was Built
Back in 1994, teachers and people in the area noticed that students were having trouble with mathematics and science. A group was formed to help improve science education in the region.
At one of their first meetings, a person named John Rosenburg had a big idea. He suggested building a science center and planetarium, like one he knew from his hometown. He even wrote a plan for it, which a State Representative named Greg Stumbo supported.
Getting Ready to Open
In 1997, the group found that many people in the area needed help understanding math and science. So, they started creating fun, hands-on programs.
In 1998, the Kentucky General Assembly gave $1.6 million to build the center and another $1 million for its equipment. There was a small mistake in the original cost estimate, so the building plan had to be made a bit smaller.
The new plan included a 12,000 square foot (1,115 m²) building. It would have an 85-seat planetarium, a 3,000 square foot (279 m²) exhibit area, and a 1,000 square foot (93 m²) science classroom. It also included a gift shop and offices.
In 2000, the organization received another $1 million for construction. The groundbreaking ceremony, which is when construction officially begins, happened on November 9, 2001. Building started in September 2002. Finally, in March 2004, the East Kentucky Science Center opened its doors to the public!
Becoming Part of the College
On July 1, 2008, the East Kentucky Science Center became a part of Big Sandy Community and Technical College. This college is part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Planetarium Upgrades
In the fall of 2011, the planetarium got a big upgrade! They spent $200,000 to install a new Spitz SciDome HD Full Dome projection system. This system works with the GOTO Chronos Star Machine and the SkyLase Laser system.
Later, in 2018, a SkyLase Manual Laser controller was added for live laser shows. In 2019, a new Chroma Cove LED lighting system was installed. These upgrades made the planetarium one of the most advanced in the country!
The center is also known by a couple of other names: the East Kentucky Science Center and Planetarium, and the East Kentucky Science Center and Varia Planetarium.
