DSU Receives Federal Grant

Friday, September 13, 2024

Bolivar Bullet

DSU Receives Federal Grant

The Wiley Planetarium awarded $500,000

The Daily Bullet - Friday, September 13, 2024
Vol. 33 No. 80

Delta State University has announced the Roy L. and Clara Belle Wiley Planetarium has been awarded a $500,000 U.S. Congressional earmark, with funds secured through the support of Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker. The grant, which officially took effect on September 1, will enable the planetarium to undergo a significant technological upgrade, ensuring its continued role as a vital STEM resource for the Mississippi Delta region.

The Wiley Planetarium, with its rich history of engaging both Delta State students and the wider rural community since 1976, is set to receive a state-of-the-art 3D laser projector system. This much-needed upgrade will replace the planetarium's current projectors, which have become technologically obsolete and are nearing the end of their operational life. The new projectors, alongside upgraded computing systems, will enhance the planetarium's ability to produce in-house content, offering an immersive educational experience akin to those found in leading museums and universities nationwide. The upgrades will be paid for 100% by this grant from the United States Department of Education.

The Wiley Planetarium is the only university-based planetarium in Mississippi and one of only three public planetariums in the state. It has faced operational uncertainty over the past five years due to aging technology. This grant will ensure the planetarium continues to serve as a key STEM learning resource for both post-secondary and K-12 students in the Mississippi Delta.

"We are so thankful to our Mississippi Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker for supporting our efforts to ensure Wiley Planetarium's longevity and extend its educational mission for Delta students and communities," said Dr. Maria Weber, Assistant Professor of Physics and Director of the Wiley Planetarium.

The planned upgrades will not only extend the operational life of the planetarium but will also expand its educational reach. With the new 3D laser projection capabilities, students will have the opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary content that goes beyond traditional astronomy lessons. From visualizing complex biological structures, to exploring the intricacies of medical imaging, the enhanced planetarium will offer unique learning experiences that are currently unavailable in standard classroom settings.

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