GIVE A GIFT OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS

By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT
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MOSI has come up with a gift for the person who has everything.
The new Adopt a Star program offers a chance for people to buy a star in the new Saunders Planetarium.
The star adoption includes a certificate with the selected star constellation, spectral type, declination, right ascension, magnitude, Bayer-Flamsteed name and an optional area for a personalized dedication if it is being given as a gift.
The recipient’s name will also be placed on the Donor Wall in the planetarium when it opens. The new planetarium is under construction and is slated to be finished early next year. The star will “belong” exclusively to the person for five years.
Alicia Slater-Haase, vice president of development for MOSI, came up with the idea a few months ago.
“We needed to raise funds to support the new planetarium,” Slater-Haase said. “I figured it would make for a great Valentine’s Day present. People can also buy the moon, a planet, the sun or a constellation.”
The Saunders Planetarium was established in 1992 at MOSI, since then it has treated more than 200,000 visitors to an up close view of the night sky. The planetarium hosts two shows with a look through binoculars and telescopes at the sky and an astronomical tour.
“The old planetarium is still hosting shows while we are raising money for the new one,” said Shani Jefferson, media relations coordinator for MOSI.
The new planetarium will have more state of the art equipment. Some components of the old planetarium will be moved into the new site. Additionally, the old planetarium will probably be used for a new exhibit or an educational program.
“There will be a new digital star projector,” Slater-Haase said. “There will be new seats purchased for the planetarium as well.”
With new equipment, the new planetarium will open up new possibilities for community events.
“The chairs will be removable, so we can have catered events with a dinner under the stars,” Slater-Haase said.
The planetarium is currently located on the second floor of the museum.
The new planetarium is under construction in the Kids in Charge exhibition area.
The price of the star or planet will be determined by how bright it is. For the dimmer stars the price starts at $25 and goes all the way up to the brightest stars at $2,000.
“All the stars are visible to the naked eye,” Slater-Haase said. “People will be able to see the star in the planetarium. The brighter stars will be more expensive.”
Jefferson said the Adopt a Star program is a great way for the community to be involved with MOSI.
“We are a community-based institution and this will be a great way for people in Tampa to become a part of MOSI history,” Jefferson said.
Entry into the new planetarium will be included in the general admission price of MOSI.
For information or to purchase a star visit http://www.mosiadoptastar.org.