UConn's Planetarium Dedication Honors Physics Pioneer

Reclining beneath the planetarium's darkened dome, eager stargazers of all ages await a cosmic adventure.

"Who's ready to witness the total eclipse from last April or a journey across the Milky Way?" Department of Physics Assistant Professor-in-Residence Matt Guthrie asks, sparking a flurry of raised hands voting for their preference. With a grin, Guthrie launched the group into a stellar voyage projected above, starting right from campus and exploring deep into the galaxy.

Over the last 18 months, Guthrie led the collaborative effort between UConn students, faculty, and skilled facilities staff to get the facility up and running again. After sitting unused for about 10 years, on November 1^st the planetarium was officially renamed to honor the late Cynthia Peterson, UConn's first woman physics faculty member, who remained the only woman in the department for 35 years. As her favorite place on campus and a site where she educated and inspired students of all ages, the planetarium's dedication is fitting.

Moving forward, Guthrie says there are plans in the works to put the planetarium to good use for education and outreach.

"In the spring semester, we hope to have at least one show every week depending on demand," says Guthrie.

In a lecture before the dedication ceremony, Guthrie detailed the planetarium's history, starting with its construction in 1954 and going up to the restoration efforts which started in 2022. Guthrie shared artifacts they found while clearing the facility. He also introduced many of the people who helped make the project a success:

"I want to emphasize how much of a group effort it was to get the planetarium to its current state and to reopen it."

Guthrie also shared stories from the planetarium's "soft" opening earlier this year, with several groups enjoying shows in the space, including a show for the visually impaired over the summer and shows over Family Weekend. There are more in the works as more groups reach out, he says.

"It's hard to keep track of them, but we have a lot of groups who are interested," says Guthrie. "We are working with several school groups in the area to arrange fieldtrips."

Throughout the restoration process, one guiding principle that Guthrie has maintained is recognition for Peterson and the lasting contributions she made to UConn. At the dedication, Peterson's daughter Celeste spoke about her mother's enthusiasm and passion for learning and teaching, and UConn Physics Professor Nora Berrah spoke about how Peterson was a pioneer and mentor to other women in science at a time when women were underappreciated.

"Professor Peterson was an inspiring pioneer in STEM, and it's important to recognize and celebrate trailblazing women in our field," said Guthrie. "Nora spoke about how essential her presence was to inspire the women she advised, and I hope the dedication properly honors her memory and contributions."

Guthrie has also led efforts to restore the Cynthia Wyeth Peterson Observatory. Since that story was published, members of the public have reached out to inquire about the planetarium and share their experiences in the facilities and their memories of Professor Peterson.

The huge amount of interest in this and another restoration effort for UConn's observatory are a testament to not only the importance of these facilities for UConn student education but also for public outreach - both things that Peterson was passionate about.

"My earliest scientific memory involves a little inflatable planetarium. My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Donaldson at Briar Glen Elementary in Chicago, brought one to school and it changed the course of my life. This building has the potential to change lives, and I want to make sure we don't miss that opportunity," said Guthrie.

The project was made possible thanks to funding from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Planetarium schedule will be updated with events once the facility is up and running. You can also keep up with events via Instagram.