For your viewing pleasure: Star-studded shows

Parish planetarium gets much-needed upgrade that you must see for yourself

For over three decades the St. Charles Parish Planetarium has provided spectators with sensational skyshows that take them on a journey to outerspace, but with the emergence of state-of-the-art technology and a generous donation, viewings at the planetarium are starting to “look up” in a whole new way – literally!

And planetarium director Gary Meibaum says it’s all thanks to a projector company who has helped the library take their shows to the next level.

“In 2003, the planetarium underwent a much-needed renovation that included new seating and projection equipment,” said Meibaum. “But it is through the recent and generous cooperation of the projector’s manufacturer, Konica Minolta, that we are able to acquire the next generation of digital photography.”

Meibaum says that the company has allowed the planetarium to acquire the MediaGlobe II – one of the most sought out top-of-the-line projection systems.

“This system has a 3D database of over 100,000 stars,” said Meibaum.”And the sky is much brighter and sharper than it has ever been in the past.”

And the installation of new equipment now gives the planetarium the ability to provide the public with the best skyshows out there.

“Our newest skyshow is Black Holes and is narrated by John de Lancie,” said Meibaum.

According to the film’s creator, the new immersive digital theater program incorporates some of the most intense three-dimensional visual effects ever created on the subject.

Meibaum says that the planetarium is open to the public for six regularly-scheduled shows and is available for reservation for groups inside and outside of St. Charles Parish.

These public shows are given at no charge and include the popular children’s’ showing of Don’t Duck, Look UP! and Twinkle Theater where the audience chooses from a list of nearly two dozen which feature to watch.

Meibaum points out that the planetarium, which opened in 1977, is the oldest continuously operation planetarium in Southeast Louisiana and one of the very few in the nation which offer public shows at no charge.

The planetarium is located in the West Regional Library at 105 Lakewood Dr. in Luling. For further information on showings, visit the library’s website at www.stcharles.lib.la.us or turn to page 8A for a detailed review of the facility’s skyshows.