Mayra Bocanegra/Roundup
An ordinary building on the Pierce College campus, the Planetarium is hidden inside the Center For The Sciences building.
With the completion of the $3 million structure in the Fall, 2010, students were able to fill the theater like chairs this spring.
The purely software based planetarium, operated by Sky-Skan, contains 5 projectors located around the dome that create images by computer.
The planetarium allows professors to connect the lecture classes and demonstrate the things they talk about.
“It is a wonderful way to realistically demonstrate astronomy to students,” said Professor of Astronomy Carolyn Mallory.
The planetarium has both manual and automatic telescopes for student use, which makes the labs a hands-on experience for students.
The lab takes place inside the classroom, while the lecture is held inside the dome.
The astronomy classes are four units and professors answer such as, what is and what isn’t astronomy, what’s in the sky, the stars and the galaxies.
“I think its interesting to learn about the stars, the moon and the universe,” said Engineering major, Juan Vallejos.
Mallory hopes students can get a lot out of the class.
“I want them to feel that they’re a part of the Earth and the solar system, that they understand the sky and get knowledge of the possibilities of getting hit by an asteroid,” said Mallory.
Walking into the dome is like walking inside a movie theater.
The ceiling extends above your head in the shape of a sphere, recreating the night sky.
The theater seats are comfortable and allow students to recline back in order to enhance your experience.
“The seats are so comfortable, they’re like Imax chairs” said Forensic Science major, Eddie Rivera.
Pierce College joins Valley College and Santa Monica College with comparable planetariums.
“Its an extra perk for the college to have,” said Mallory. “It’s a good PR for Pierce”.
The planetarium isn’t only for students, its also open to the community.
The Pierce College Astronomy Society (PCAS), lead by professor Mallory, hosts many free events for everyone to indulge on.
“We have community members coming in for our star parties where we gather and watch the stars,” said Mallory. “Anybody is welcomed to come”.
For more information on future events you can attend the PCAS meeting inside the Great Hall.