Help in the Efforts to Save the David M. Brown Planetarium!

After worrying about a potential budget shortfall, Arlington Public Schools announced their decision to pull the plug on Arlington's one and only planetarium. Local astronomy-lovers were not going to let the building go down without a fight. After creating a petition, the members of the nonprofit organization, Friends of the Planetarium, have done everything in their power to keep the planetarium up and running by raising the money requirements set by the school superintendent.

 "I've been an Arlington citizen for most of my life. I went to the planetarium when it first opened over 40 years ago and it was what led me to want to be an astronomer. I would love to keep it open and have it spark that interest in others, especially children," said Alice Monet, the board president of Friends of the Planetarium. 

The organization has already raised over $350,000. "We're doing really well," added Monet. "A great milestone for us was reaching $140,000. As a result of reaching that goal, he put the planetarium's operating funds back into the school budget."

Friends of the Planetarium is not done yet! The planetarium must raise nearly $50,000 more by the end of June to pay for the necessary equipment upgrades. "With the new projector, it is going to be a multidisciplinary science learning center, not just used for the study of astronomy," said Monet. The group is working to raise money to build a program that teaches kids and the public about science in a way that is enjoyable and exciting. 

Tonight, Friends of the Planetarium is holding an event in the Washington-Lee High School auditorium at 6:30 p.m. that will be open to the public. Former astronaut, Dr. John Grunsfeld, will speak about his experience working with the Hubble Telescope and recent scientific accomplishments in research. There will also be a performance by the Spanish Chorus. This event featuring a blend of science and the arts will be great for all ages and will request that all attendees donate $10. 

If you are unable to make it to tomorrow night's event, you are in luck. They will be hosting another event this Saturday at a venue that is TBA. The event, John Glenn's Flashback Concert, will be a modernistic space-age inspired musical performance.

Help save and improve the Arlington Planetarium! Attend these events or donate at their website: www.saveplanetarium.org