In 1819, Thomas Jefferson sketched plans for a planetarium on the dome of UVA’s Rotunda, but as costs for the new university grew, the idea for a star-covered dome was dropped. Now, 200 years later, Jefferson’s dream has been realized and the public is invited to see the stars inside.
On a cool, cloudy night, dozens of kids, parents and grandparents have come to campus for a comfortable look at the stars – projected on the inside of a dome that covers UVA’s Rotunda.
Vicky Verity is using a chart to show three grandkids how to find constellations.
“See the bears?" she asks. "Ursa minor – the little dipper, and ursa major, the big dipper."
"Yes!" says an excited grandson. "Those two!”
Husband Jon joins Abygail Waggoner, Brittany Maxie and Erin Hughey-Commers in revisiting a childhood passion.
“I had a telescope when I was younger and used to look for the planets in particular, so I always loved it. As a child I was really excited about events like this, so it’s really fun to share it. I used to go out with my mom all the time to watch the comets with hot chocolate. It’s part of exploring the natural wonder of our world and learning what’s around us.”
And the children are equally pleased to spot shapes made by stars, and to check out displays from the Rotunda’s early history.
“I find it kind of cool. I like the artifacts – like the books, the drawings and the notes," says one. "I just like trying to find some constellations," adds another. "It makes me feel happy and kind of funny inside,” a third child concludes.
The show will be open to the public from six to ten p.m. January 11th and February 1st on UVA’s campus.
