The planetarium has updated its technology and is changing the way it serves students in the Mesquite ISD.

Early this fall the planetarium undertook an extensive renovation by installing SciDome, a state of the art, full-dome video digital projection system. With the SciDome system it is possible to fly through space in real-time, to view objects from earth in stunning detail and to simulate the view from any location in the solar system at just about anytime in the past or future. SciDome can also present the latest in full-dome digital productions being produced by museums and other scientific institutions.

Planetarium field trips will be available to 4th and 5th grade classes starting January 5th running through April 24th. Content is closely aligned with TAKs Objectives; for that reason, our administration has decided to limit planetarium trips, prior to April 24th, to the 4th and 5th grades and to the 7th and 8th grades. After TAKs testing in April, the planetarium will be open to all grade levels in the district on a first come, first served basis.

For each visit, instruction will begin under the dome with a live TEKs based astronomy simulation, followed by a short presentation in the auditorium, and then concluding with a pre-recorded, cutting edge full-dome presentation.

Please check back with our website for information about upcoming community open houses at the Russell Planetarium!

Additional Sites:

• NASA: Sputnik - The Fiftieth Anniversary
  History changed on October 4, 1957, when the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik I. That launch ushered in new political, military, technological, and scientific developments.
  http://history.nasa.gov/sputnik/
• Space & Astronomy Lessons
  Offers astronomy and space science lesson plans for students of all ages.
  http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/astronomy.html
• Lesson Plans @ Earth from Space
  These lesson plans will be engaging and helpful in the classroom. Grade level and standards are noted beside each plan.
  http://www.earthfromspace.si.edu/lesson_plans.asp
• Space Place Teacher's Corner
  Although the entire Space Place site may be helpful to teachers and students, the resources linked here were developed specifically to help in the classroom.
  http://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/en/educators/

Dr. Richard R. Russell Planetarium
2501 Memorial
Mesquite, TX 75149 USA
(972) 882 7750 Fax (972) 882 7753

Serving Mesquite, Texas (USA) students and teachers since 1977, Russell Planetarium is located next to Memorial Stadium, at the foot of the Communications Tower. The facility was named for the late school board president and physician Dr. Richard Russell.

• Visited by up to 30,000 students annually
• Presents programs ranging from Kindergarten to 12th Grade
• Projects the stars on a dome that is 9.1 meters (30 feet) across
• Has a college-style lecture hall that seats 98