Author Archives: svl6fy

Public Planetarium Nights

Announcing Public Planetarium Nights! The Rotunda Planetarium celestial dome projection will be free and open to the public from 6-10PM on the following dates: November 30December 6December 19January 11, 2020February 1 Suitable for all ages. Tickets not required. Event Location: The Rotunda University of Virginia 1826 University Ave Charlottesville, VA 22904 Rotunda Planetarium is wheelchair […]

Rotunda Planetarium: Science & Learning in the University of Virginia’s First Library

We are pleased to announce a public symposium and event culminating in the unveiling of the Rotunda Planetarium projection! All are welcome. The symposium will be held in the Rotunda’s dome room on November 1, 2019 from 2PM until 8:30PM. Dean and University Librarian John Unsworth will deliver opening remarks. Sara J. Schechner, David P. […]

The 1819 Rotunda Planetarium

Thomas Jefferson’s 1819 Rotunda Planetarium designs called for a mystifying (and dangerous) boom-and-pulley lift that would to elevate an operator to adjust stars pinned to the Rotunda’s concave ceiling. “The concave ceiling of the Rotunda,” he wrote, “is proposed to be painted sky-blue and spangled with gilt stars in their position and magnitude copied exactly.” […]