The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is set to unveil its new planetarium in spring 2024, following a significant construction project on the west side of the Museum of the North. This state-of-the-art facility, which will accommodate 65 seats, has been made possible by a remarkable donation of $7.4 million from Walt and Marita Babula, who have been recognized for their generosity with the naming of the planetarium in their honor.
UAF’s interim chancellor, Mike Sfraga, expressed gratitude for the Babulas’ contribution, noting, “Aspirations and grand visions like our new planetarium can sometimes seem out of reach. We are so grateful for the partnership that has enabled Walt and Marita’s vision to be realized and create this extraordinary place that will educate and inspire Alaskans and museum visitors for generations to come.”
Support from Community and Organizations
In addition to the Babulas’ significant donation, the planetarium project has garnered support from various other contributors. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust contributed $500,000, while longtime UAF supporters Sarah and Cary Keller donated $250,000. Contributions also came from the Michael and Lynn Rice Estate, Davis Constructors and Engineers, and RESPEC, underscoring a community effort to enhance educational opportunities in the region.
According to UAF, the planetarium represents a collaborative initiative between the Museum of the North and the UAF Geophysical Institute. It aims to serve as a new platform for showcasing UAF’s research and Alaska’s diverse cultures. The Babulas emphasized the planetarium’s role in promoting space science education, stating that it will provide valuable opportunities for both K-12 and higher education students.
A Vision for Education and Inspiration
Walt Babula, who has deep roots in Fairbanks dating back to his service at Fort Wainwright’s Bassett Army Hospital in 1970, founded the Fairbanks Orthodontic Group in 1974. His wife, Marita Babula, began her career at Fort Wainwright’s Army Community Services before advancing to the role of office manager and treatment coordinator at the orthodontic group. Their commitment to the community includes previous donations, such as the Babula Children’s Garden at the Georgeson Botanical Garden.
The new planetarium, covering 5,700 square feet, will feature an 11-foot dome, two high-resolution projectors, advanced image generation computers, and a stellar sound system. The facility aims to provide an enriching educational experience for K-12 school groups, UAF students and staff, and also host various gatherings.
Omega Smith, the planetarium director, highlighted the facility’s mission to celebrate Alaska’s unique science and narratives, as well as the work of UAF researchers. “As a lifelong Alaskan who grew up beneath the northern lights, I’m honored to be this planetarium’s first director,” Smith remarked. “I’m deeply grateful to the donors whose astronomical generosity is helping bring to life a long-held vision of the Geophysical Institute and UA Museum of the North.”
The opening of the UAF planetarium promises to be a significant addition to the educational landscape of Alaska, fostering curiosity and knowledge about the universe and indigenous cultures for years to come.
