The Bakersfield College William M. Thomas Planetarium at Bakersfield College was established around 1963, later renovated in 2006, and has provided shows to thousands of students throughout the decades. It is a true hidden gem on this campus.
“Children is where it starts, science is important for our future,” said Assistant Director of Bakersfield College Planetarium, Professor John Menzies. “What I hope people take away from the show is a greater understanding and a greater interest in science and the stars.”
Unlike an observatory where a dome ceiling opens and a massive telescope is used to view the actual night sky as it is, a planetarium is a “sky theater” where special projectors create a simulation of the solar system on a dome ceiling.
The William M. Thomas Planetarium at Bakersfield College specifically has a Chronos star projector from GOTO and it is equipped with a Spitz SciDome all-dome video system, according to the department’s website. In a semi-circle formation, 72 spectators can sit in comfortable theater-like seats, giving each spectator a clear view under a Spitz premium-seam 36-foot dome screen.
“I really enjoyed the visualization of the stars and planets as well as the explanation.” said Tania Bernal, a Bakersfield College Alumni. “It’s a great show for students, I definitely recommend any student that has not checked it out, they should.”
Bernal has attended four previous shows and has continued to show support for the BC Planetarium.
“Tickets have been selling now that covid restrictions have been lifted and [the] campus is back in full swing. I expect to see a fuller house of attendance” recalled Professor Menzies. “Most shows are sold out now, so it is best to purchase your tickets early.”
Planetarium tickets are purchased online only. The cost for tickets are $8 for adults and $6 senior or children (ages 5-12), according to the Planetarium website. For all evening shows, doors open at 7p.m., and the show starts promptly at 7:30p.m. with no late admittance.
For more information, including upcoming events and instructions on how to purchase online tickets to the Bakersfield College William M Thomas Planetarium, can be found on the BC website under Community then Planetarium.
The Planetarium at Bakersfield College is located on the main campus in the Math-Science building, Room 112.