The Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium Brings the Universe to You

Imagine living in your home for most of your life and never stepping out of it--never knowing what it looked like from the outside. Is it covered in brick? Does it have a tin roof?

This is how humans existed until the 1960s, when the first picture of the entire planet Earth was taken from the vantage point of space. But now, with the new technologies at the Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium, we can fly you from Louisville to the edge of the known universe and back, all in a few short minutes. These unique technologies enable us to further our mission to foster interest, excitement and knowledge about the natural and cosmic world in order to develop and sustain lifelong learning for all.

But to continue to expand Louisville’s universe, we need your support. Every donation makes an impact, just look at the difference we can make. In FY2012, we served:

• 5,717 public visitors
• 9,348 students and teachers/chaperones
  

The planetarium depends on donations and gifts to cover one-third of its overall operating expenses, and current budget numbers show the planetarium's operations support at 6 percent.

Funding Priorities for the Planetarium

Listed below are some of the immediate needs of the planetarium and their total cost.

• Space Adventure Camp Scholarship (for one child) - $200

• After-school exploration club - $1,200
• 12-week after school program - $2,500
• School-wide field experiences (no limit) - $10,000
• Owsley Brown II Portable Planetarium visit to school - $1,150
• Research Lab Seat - $10,000
  
• Full-dome technology theater - $2,600,000

How Can I Make a Donation?

You can go to the University's giving site and give online, by mail or phone. Or, you can contact Jim Beckham (jim.beckham "at" louisville.edu) at the College of Education and Human Development, 502-852-0566, and arrange to make a gift towards any of the priority projects listed above.