The "Teacher of Stars" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Standing in the dark, watching the heavens turn ever so slowly above me.  My DSLR Sony Alpha camera is sitting atop a small tripod pointed at the north star.  I have my camera on shutter priority and set to 20 seconds, but my camera will record about an hour and 20 minutes of movement during those 20 second photographs.

The movement of the stars can be seen in this 20 second exposure.  Along the bottom of the exposure is a panoramic photo of the high school entrance which was made using a series of multiple photos laced together in a series of computer programs.  The panoramic photo stretches the entire way around the edge of the 33 foot dome.  I had the greatest time trying my hand at taking this photo.    

And just how is that done, you are certainly asking yourself.  Well, today I am in the Manheim Township High School planetarium located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  It is one of only two schools in Lancaster County who has a planetarium.  It is also the same high school from which I graduated in 1962 and returned five years later to teach Industrial Arts/Tech Education for 33 more years.  In 1957, when I first entered the brand new high school as a freshman, there was no planetarium in the building.  It wasn't until 1970 that a planetarium was opened in the school district, but it wasn't located in the high school.  Across campus there was another school, the original high school for the district, but by now known as the Neff Building and it was there that the planetarium was built.  The school housed the 9th grade at the time.  Students from all grades in the district were bused to the school to see presentations by the new teacher hired for the job.  Jack, who also began his tenure in the district in 1970, taught all grades about the stars and solar system.  Eventually the Neff building underwent a major renovation and the planetarium was relocated in 1977 to the high school.  The planetarium occupied the space of the original library in the new high school which was relocated to the second floor of the high school.  With the relocation, Jack was able to move to the high school and teach more classes in astronomy.  

Astronomy Club President Ross and Vice-President Anya
flank Astronomy teacher David next to the SciDome computer.

Then, in the mid-2000's, another renovation took place and the planetarium in which I am now standing was added.  Jack no longer teaches in the district, having been replaced in the planetarium by David who is my host for my visit today.  Dave holds a Master's Degree in Geosciences from West Chester University and teaches high school science with courses in Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology, Physical Science and Environment, and Ecology.  He is also the planetarium director and advisor to the MTHS Astronomy Club.  

One of the two pieces salvaged from the old plantarium.
This is known as the Star Ball which projected images on the dome.

The new planetarium has been totally refitted with a new 30-foot diameter dome, energy-efficient LDE lighting, new sound system and state-of-the-art digital projection system.  And, it is amazing!  A single fisheye lens works in conjunction with a computer processor known as the SciDome by Spitz.  The unit allows classes and audiences to visualize moving through space and time and to observe the workings of the universe.  

The planetarium can seat 59 students or adults.

The new planetarium can seat 59 people.  I can remember sitting under the last generation dome as a teacher, watching the shows that Jack would present.  The only items that remain today are the large "Star Ball" that projected light through openings onto the dome and the Planet Projector that did much the same, but only of the planets.  Both are on display showing what "used to be".  This is in no way anything like that!!  Amazing is an understatement to describe what can now take place in this small room in the high school and what this teacher can accomplish in his teaching.  

The computer which controls the SciDome program.

Dave is an extremely energetic and knowledge- able teacher who exudes a warmth and personality that makes you want to listen and learn.  I would love to have been a student in his class and have the chance to study under him.   The President and Vice-President of his Astronomy Club, Ross and Anya, were also attempting to explain to me the workings of the SciDome unit and what all it can do.  I was in awe as I watched these students of Dave show me what the unit can project through the single fisheye lens.  I left the planetarium knowing that Manheim Township, my home school district, is under able capable hands for many, many more years.  And ..... thanks Dave for sharing your time and knowledge.  I can see why your students respect and love you.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

David standing with a few of the instruments of his trade.