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

For more than a decade, the planetarium relied on its 1992 Minolta MS-8 star projector after the full-dome digital system failed. In 2018, a laser system was introduced to sustain operations, with laser shows becoming a vital source of revenue.

Now, thanks to incredible community support, the ZEISS VELVET DUO projection system has been fully installed—making Shiras Planetarium the only ZEISS VELVET facility in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. With renovations complete, we’re focusing on maintaining cutting-edge technology and growing our programming to deliver an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

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.

Help Us Reach the Finish Line!

The Friends of Shiras Planetarium is a dedicated group of community members committed to ensuring the planetarium’s continued success and innovation.

Thanks to generous support from the Shiras Institute, the State of Michigan, the Kobasic Foundation, and many generous community donors, we’ve completed over $1,041,000 in renovations—transforming the Shiras Planetarium into a state-of-the-art facility featuring the ZEISS VELVET DUO projection system.

We have just $127,000 left to raise to complete our campaign. Additional funds will help build an endowment fund to sustain future technology upgrades and educational programming.

Your support today helps keep the stars shining bright for generations to come.

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 Shiras 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 Shiras 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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