The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) anticipates the opening of its new planetarium in the spring, with construction currently underway on the west side of the Museum of the North.
This state-of-the-art facility, which will accommodate 65 visitors, received a substantial boost from a donation totaling $7.4 million from Walt and Marita Babula, who were previously anonymous benefactors. In recognition of their generosity, the planetarium will bear their names, marking it as the largest single donation in the university”s history.
Mike Sfraga, UAF”s interim chancellor, expressed gratitude for the Babulas” vision, stating, “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.”
The project has also received support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, which contributed $500,000, along with $250,000 from devoted UAF supporters Sarah and Cary Keller. Additional contributions came from the Michael and Lynn Rice Estate, Davis Constructors and Engineers, and RESPEC.
According to UAF, the planetarium represents a collaborative effort between the Museum of the North and the UAF Geophysical Institute, aiming to showcase UAF”s research initiatives and celebrate Alaska”s diverse cultures.
The Babulas highlighted the educational potential of the facility, stating it will “enable space science education opportunities for K-12 and higher education students.” They further articulated their hope for the planetarium to ignite curiosity among Alaskans and visitors worldwide regarding Alaska”s culture and the vast universe.
Walt Babula”s connection to Alaska began in 1970 when he was stationed at Fort Wainwright”s Bassett Army Hospital. Following his military service, he established the Fairbanks Orthodontic Group in 1974. Marita Babula”s career commenced at Fort Wainwright”s Army Community Services, after which she became the office manager and treatment coordinator for the orthodontic group. The Babulas have previously supported UAF and the Fairbanks community, including contributions to the Babula Children”s Garden at the Georgeson Botanical Garden.
The planetarium will encompass 5,700 square feet, featuring an 11-foot dome, dual high-resolution projectors, advanced image generation computers, and an exceptional sound system. It aims to offer an enriching educational experience for K-12 school groups, UAF faculty and students, and to host various gatherings.
Director Omega Smith expressed her excitement about the new facility, emphasizing its role in celebrating Alaska”s unique scientific contributions and storytelling. “As a lifelong Alaskan who grew up beneath the northern lights, I”m honored to be this planetarium”s first director,” Smith stated. “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.”
