Our Mission

To provide Astronomical Resources to the University

and Greater Fort Wayne Community.
 

Academic Programming and Resources

 Community Education

Public Shows

School and Special Needs Education Programming

On the south bank of Mirror Lake at the University of Saint Francis campus is the beautiful Achatz Hall of Science. As we enter and turn right, we find a room best described as “out of this world” … the Edwin Clark Schouweiler Planetarium.

Under the 30 foot projection dome are 75 seats.  At the center of the room is a Spitz Model A4 projector, with the capacity of showing the sky as it appears on any night of any year, anywhere on Earth. The machine projects 2,100 stars, the Milky Way, Sun, Moon, and the positions of the 5 planets visible to the naked eye.

In addition to the main star projector there are many auxiliary projectors that simulate the constellations, comets, meteors, auroras, and galaxies. Special effect projectors mounted around the cove of the room illustrate the functions of various celestial bodies, satellites, space ships, and other effects.

A recent addition to our theater is a computer controlled automation system that links many supplemental effects to the show sound track. This increases the creative flexibility and options available for show production and performance. With this addition, the Schouweiler at present has the ability to mount any of 9 different shows, as needed. Prior to 2002 each show could require weeks of set-up. One additional shows is currently in production for début in the near future.

DIRECTIONS:  http://www.sf.edu/tour/directions.shtml

updated 8/7/07