Clever Planetarium

Astronaut Jose Hernandez Keynote’s Delta College’s

George H. Clever Planetarium Re-Opening Celebration

The Clever Planetarium completed an extensive remodeling and refurbishing program late in 2009.   The October 10th, 2009 “Grand Re-opening Celebration” featured Stockton’s own astronaut, Jose Hernandez.  

After Jose Hernandez’ inspiring presentation at Atherton Auditorium, which focused on education, perusing your dreams, and included video of his recent Space Shuttle mission, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the Clever Planetarium entrance. Joining Astronaut Hernandez were members of the Clever family, Stockton Mayor Ann Johnston, Dr. Raul Rodriguez and members of Delta’s Board of Trustees. The festivities included free planetarium shows, model rocket launches and an extended autograph session with Astronaut Hernandez signing photos for fans both young and old.

Along with the Measure L Bond improvements, many planetarium enhancements were funded by the US Department of Education College Cost Reduction and Access Act Grant.

Students and patrons of the Clever Planetarium will be impressed with the upgrades. New items such as “SciDome HD” a digital planet and sky simulator and “Magic Planet” an interactive digital globe that can simulate the earth and other planets through satellite images have been installed.   “Magic Planet is new technology,” Planetarium technicianKyle Wilson said. “We have one of the few in California.” And although “Herman,” the planetarium’s original Spitz 512 Star Projector , has been refurbished, the new projector adds enhanced visual presentations, including a 360 degree cinematic experience.“It’s the best projector in the area.” Wilson said. “It’ clearer, brighter and it shows the sky in more detail. The stars will still be a pin of light, but it will be seamless and overall better quality.”

Not only does the new projector show the night sky as Herman does, but it allows you to travel across the universe and view the sky from other planets. “With Herman you can see the night sky anywhere on planet Earth,” Wilson said. “But with the SciDome HD, you can see the sky from anywhere in the universe.”

With new digital technology, the dome-shaped planetarium can customize shows for any particular astronomical subject. “The planetarium is geared for everybody,” says Wilson.   “Scholar or child alike… it’s open to anyone who ever looked up at the sky and wondered what the stars are and why they’re there.” Wilson adds, “It’s fun to see kids get excited about science. Instead of just seeing facts in a textbook, they can see things big, up close and personal.”

Delta’s planetarium is named after George H. Clever, a Tracy rancher who was the original founding Board President when the San Joaquin Delta College district was formed in 1963. A Cal Tech civil engineering graduate, Mr. Clever was an avid amateur astronomer who had a passion for science.  His dream was to build a planetarium at Delta College so students and the community could benefit from opportunities to explore the “Last Frontier.” Through Mr. Clever’s patience and dedication, his dream became a reality in 1973 with the opening of San Joaquin County’s only stationary planetarium. When Mr. Clever retired from Delta’s board in 1983, the planetarium was named in his honor.

The Clever Planetarium and Earth Science Center is available for fieldtrips on weekdays and is open to the public twice a month. Visit: http://www.sjdccd.cc.ca.us/dept/planetarium/ for more information.

 

Related Items Facilities Master Planning Office of Planning, Research & Institutional Effectiveness