GRAND RE-OPENING OF THE SUITS-BUECHE PLANETARIUM AT THE SCHENECTADY MUSEUM
On Saturday Evening, October 28th, the Suits-Bueche Planetarium at the Schenectady Museum re-opened with a brand new GOTO Chronos Space Simulator Star Machine. The evening contained planetarium shows, a "space themed" costume contest, door prizes, live music, and "space themed" snacks such as Moon Pies, Milky Way Bars, Star Burst Fruit Chews, and Atomic Fireballs! Major funding for the GOTO was supplied by the Wright Family Foundation, the Robb Family Foundation, and the Bender Scientific Fund.
Walt Robb talks about the excitement he had as a child when he visited the Fels Planetarium, which led to his admiration of planetariums as a teaching tool. The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Ilene Frank (Director of Public Programs and Education), Walt Robb (Robb Family Foundation), and Steven LJ Russo (Planetarium Manager).
The costume contest attracted aliens from all over the Schenectady area, and maybe from places far, far, away!
An alien (Temia Loyd-Visitors Services) tries to abduct Planetarium Manager (Steven LJ Russo). Queen Cassiopeia (Jan Russo) and Princess Andromeda (Megan Dominguez, Planetarium educator), next to the GOTO Chronos.
Amy Donnelly (Herkimer Planetarium), Josh Marsfelder (Union College), Denice Cross (Suits-Bueche Planetarium), and Nicole Pellegrini (Intern), pose by the GOTO. A "Downstate Reunion" of Mark Taylor (Andrus Planetarium) and Steve Russo (Suits-Bueche Planetarium).
Walt Robb, Steven LJ Russo, and the Chronos. NASA Astronauts (Ilene Frank and Steve Russo) by the GOTO.
One of the "Coneheads", Paul MacDonald (Schenectady Museum) with the old Spitz A3P. It is now on display in the Planetarium Lobby. Queen Cassiopeia (Jan Russo), with Planetarium Manager, Steve Russo, and the GOTO Chronos Space Simulator.
Renovation Page One; Cleaning the Dome
Renovation Page Two; Removal of the Spitz A3P
Renovation Page Three; The installation of the GOTO
Renovation Page Four; Finishing the GOTO Installation
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