University of Montana launches $117,000 campaign to upgrade planetarium projector

The University of Montana has initiated a fundraising campaign to replace the projector in its planetarium, which has been in operation since 2014 but now requires a system upgrade due to projector failure, kpax.com reported.

The total cost for the upgrade is $117,000, according to Brianna Beller, the planetarium's director. The current backup projector, borrowed from Cosm, is a temporary solution but not a long-term fix.

The planetarium hosts public shows, classes, and events, attracting over 3,000 K-12 students in the last academic year. The upgrade is crucial to maintaining these educational experiences, kpax.com noted.

UM has committed $25,000 to the campaign, but additional donations are needed by November 13 to secure the full funding. The campaign aims to spark further grants and larger donations to complete the upgrade.

The effort, called 'Save the Planetarium,' highlights the importance of the facility for both students and the public to explore astronomy and the solar system.

The university encourages donations to ensure the planetarium remains operational and continues offering its 'out-of-this-world' experiences.

What we're watching: The success of UM's fundraising campaign and its impact on sustaining the planetarium's educational programs.