Friends of Shiras Planetarium

Legacy of Education & Entertainment

The Shiras Planetarium has been educating and entertaining thousands of visitors per year since 1965. Grants and partnerships with strong community supporters have kept the planetarium thriving for over fifty eight years!

Current Equipment Status

Ten years ago, the planetarium’s full-dome digital projector ceased functioning, leaving us reliant on the 1992 Minolta MS-8 star projector for ground-based celestial displays. In 2018, a laser system was introduced to sustain operations, with laser shows becoming a key revenue source to cover the planetarium’s operational expenses.

Now, thanks to generous support, we’ve ordered a ZEISS VELVET DUO projection system, which is being built and scheduled for installation in June 2025. As we look ahead, we’re seeking additional funds to upgrade seating, lighting, and other essential technology, ensuring a complete transformation of the planetarium experience.

View In-Depth History

The Future is Bright!

Your support ensures a bright future for Shiras Planetarium, enhancing education and expanding high-quality programs. As the Upper Peninsula’s sole operational planetarium, we seek to upgrade our projection system and establish an endowment for future technology advancements, ensuring sustainability and growth.

Save the Shiras Planetarium!

The Friends of Shiras Planetarium is a dedicated group of community members working to ensure the planetarium’s future success and innovation. We are now reaching out to the public to help us complete our capital campaign for a state-of-the-art digital projection system. With over $765,000 already secured, including generous contributions from the Shiras Institute and the State of Michigan, we’re closer than ever to our goal. Now, we’re asking for your support to raise the final funds needed.

Reaching our goal of $1,000,000 will allow us to restore and elevate the planetarium’s educational and entertainment potential for students, teachers, and community visitors. Any additional funds raised will help us build an endowment, ensuring that the planetarium has ongoing support for future technology upgrades and maintenance needs.

With this upgrade, the planetarium—currently serving over 60 classrooms and more than 4,000 public show guests each year—will be able to expand its reach and impact. Join us in bringing the stars closer to our community!

Claim Your Place in Our Digital Galaxy!

Ever wanted a star named after you? Now you can join our Shiras Planetarium Digital Universe and help support our exciting educational and community programs. Our virtual stars are symbolic and not officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union, but they are still a fun way to support the Planetarium! To start stargazing for “your” star, learn more in the links below.

What Your Virtual Star Means

Our digital star-naming program is a unique fundraising tool designed to engage our community and bring you closer to the wonders of space. When you “claim” a star in our Digital Universe, you’re not buying a real star. Instead, you’re supporting the Shiras Planetarium and our mission to bring educational and immersive space experiences to the Upper Peninsula. Your contribution helps fund our technology, programming, and upgrades, ensuring the planetarium can serve as a gathering place for learning, creativity, and discovery.

A Fun Way to Support the Planetarium

By donating through our “Adopt a Star” program, you receive:

A digital certificate with your chosen star designation.
A special acknowledgment in our virtual universe at Planetarium shows and online, connecting you with fellow supporters.

But remember, your “star” is representative, not real! For a detailed look at why “buying” a real star is a myth, check out this informative FAQ: Are Star Names for Sale?

⭐ Adopt a Star ⭐

Thank you for helping us reach for the stars and supporting the Shiras Planetarium in bringing high-quality, fun, and educational experiences to our community. Every star in our digital universe is a shining example of your generosity and support!

All contributions are tax deductible under the laws governing 501(c)(3) organizations.

Contact the Friends of Shiras Planetarium

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