Looking back through 70 years of astronomical exploration at UMaine
The University of Maine is celebrating 70 years of looking to the skies as it marks the anniversary of what is today the Versant Power Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium.
From its origins as a single room planetarium on the second floor of Wingate Hall to its most recent iteration 7,400-square-foot facility, the astronomy center has offered countless programs and services to educate the university community and general public about the cosmic wonders of the universe. In honor of its 70th anniversary, the center has launched a capital campaign to raise $1.3 million for upgrades that will transform it into a cutting-edge facility, the only one north of Boston that would have 8K technology. Looking toward its future invites us to also examine its history.
“Our goal with the planetarium and astronomy center is to inspire the next generation and promote lifelong learning. Our mission and motto are to encourage all ages to ‘Explore their Universe!’” said astronomy center Director Shawn Laatsch.
The planetarium — initially known simply as the University of Maine Planetarium — was built in 1954 under the direction of longtime professor of astronomy Maynard F. Jordan, who would become its inaugural director. Its initial and longtime home was the second floor of Wingate Hall; the planetarium was part of that building’s renovation plan.
When the planetarium opened, it was the only one of its kind in Maine and the ninth one built on any American college campus. Originally intended solely for university class demonstrations, it wasn’t long before the planetarium opened its doors to K-12 school children and the general public as well. That public outreach remains a significant part of the planetarium’s mission to this day.
Following a brief closure for renovations in the late 1970s, the planetarium — under the direction of Chris Lowe — moved even further in the direction of public service, offering shows that were both entertaining and educating to the community, while also maintaining the steady stream of academic class demonstrations.
Over the next few years, however, insufficient funds led the planetarium to fall into disrepair and close in 1980. A significant public outcry followed that closure, which in turn led to a group of concerned citizens forming a consortium called “Friends of the Planetarium.” This collective raised money and awareness and built a volunteer base. It was also the point of entry into the planetarium for Alan Davenport — who would eventually become the planetarium’s director and first full-time employee.
In 1983, the planetarium received a game-changing facilities update. A new projector and improved seating were primary reasons that the planetarium could continue operations for the next decade. However, it experienced renewed financial difficulties in 1992, leaving the future of the planetarium in limbo.
Enter the family of Jordan, the planetarium’s inaugural director. Jordan’s daughter, Dorothy, and her husband, Theodore Whitehouse, established an endowment for the planetarium and observatory, as well as contributing substantial cash gifts. In honor of both his distinguished career and the generosity of his family, the planetarium and observatory were named after Jordan.
Philanthropy and community support not only sustained the facility, but also modernized it over the years. In 2012, an anonymous donation was given to UMaine that would usher transformative change for the planetarium and observatory: a new home. Following two years of design and construction work, the new astronomy center opened in October 2014.
Thus ended the planetarium’s 60-year tenure in Wingate Hall, as it moved to a brand-new dome in the newly-named Emera Astronomy Center. It was named after the Emera Inc., whose financial donations helped maximize the facility’s ability to provide quality audience experiences. Upgrades supported by the company included a new digital projection system to replace the aging projector, along with a new research telescope that was the most powerful in the state at the time of its installation. The new telescope offered students, faculty and visitors a view of the night sky unlike any they’d likely seen before.
The last 10 years have seen even greater growth and development under the stewardship of Laatsch, the current director. The name may have changed — it’s now the Versant Power Astronomy Center — but its mission never did. The academic work continues, with presentations, demonstrations and research in abundance. Laatsch and his team also offer weekly educational and entertainment shows for the general public, including for hundreds of school children who visit the center every year. Additionally, Laatsch has partnered several times with the School of Performing Arts and other groups to bring unique performance experiences to the planetarium.
The 70th anniversary is vibrant and exciting at the center’s lengthy history. With continued community support, it will continue inspiring people to reach for the stars for years to come.
Contact: Allen Adams, allen.adams@maine.edu