The South Dakota Discovery Center in Pierre has reached its goal of raising $30,000 by Oct. 15, 2022, to bring back 3D space exploration.
Executive Director Dr. Rhea Waldman says the dollars raised through the #StarStruckSD campaign enable the Discovery Center to purchase a new portable planetarium and dome system that can be used to explore Earth, our solar system and deep space through immersive 3D shows. She says the success of the Star Struck fundraising campaign came down to donors and a big gift from Jan Martin.
Upon retiring from the state Department of Education, Martin became the Discovery Center’s Early Childhood Specialist. She coordinates the Little STEAMers Preschool and monthly Itty Bitty Einsteins program for members. She says all children deserve the opportunity to wonder about what lies beyond what is known and the star shows at the Discovery Center are one of the few opportunities children in central South Dakota have to learn about the stars and the universe.
As part of the space adventure, the Star-Struck Planetary Race will take place Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, at the end of the Pierre Parade of Lights. Buy a planet for $10 and watch as it’s pulled by gravity down Pierre Street, racing under the infamous railroad bridge, rocketing towards the black hole at Sioux Avenue. Will it be sucked into the black hole? If it does, you win! Visit sd-discovery.org to purchase your planet.
The South Dakota Discovery Center hosts Starry Saturday shows in its exhibit hall the second Saturday of each month from noon-2pm. To sponsor the events or for more information, contact Development Director Jennifer McIntyre by emailing jennifermcintyre@sd-discovery.org or by calling 605-224-8295.
Executive Director Dr. Rhea Waldman accepts Jan Martin’s donation to the SD Discovery Center Star-Struck Planetarium Campaign.
Courtesy photo.
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