The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is poised to unveil its new planetarium this spring, following significant funding and community support. The facility, which is currently under construction adjacent to the Museum of the North, will feature 65 seats and is made possible by a generous donation of $7.4 million from Walt and Marita Babula, who have been recognized for their substantial contribution.
UAF designated the planetarium to honor the Babulas, marking this donation as the university’s largest single gift to date. In a statement, UAF’s interim chancellor, Mike Sfraga, expressed gratitude for the partnership that allowed this vision to become a reality. He stated, “Aspirations and grand visions like our new planetarium can sometimes seem out of reach. We are so grateful for the partnership that has enabled Walt and Marita’s vision to be realized and create this extraordinary place that will educate and inspire Alaskans and museum visitors for generations to come.”
Funding and Community Support
In addition to the Babula donation, multiple organizations and individuals contributed to the project, including the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust with $500,000 and longtime supporters Sarah and Cary Keller, who donated $250,000. Other contributors include the Michael and Lynn Rice Estate, Davis Constructors and Engineers, and RESPEC. UAF noted that the planetarium represents a collaborative effort between the Museum of the North and the UAF Geophysical Institute, aimed at creating a new venue for showcasing research and Alaska’s diverse cultures.
The Babulas emphasized their hope that the planetarium will serve as a hub for space science education, particularly for K-12 and higher education students. They stated, “We also envision the planetarium as a place that will spark the curiosity of Alaskans and visitors from around the globe about our Alaska culture and vast universe.”
Facility Features and Educational Goals
The 5,700-square-foot planetarium will include an 11-foot dome, two high-resolution projectors, advanced image generation computers, and a state-of-the-art sound system. These features aim to provide a unique educational experience for school groups, UAF students, and staff, as well as to host various gatherings.
The planetarium’s director, Omega Smith, expressed excitement about the facility’s mission. “As a lifelong Alaskan who grew up beneath the northern lights, I’m honored to be this planetarium’s first director,” Smith said. “I’m deeply grateful to the donors whose astronomical generosity is helping bring to life a long-held vision of the Geophysical Institute and UA Museum of the North.”
Walt Babula, who began his journey in Fairbanks at Fort Wainwright’s Bassett Army Hospital in 1970, later founded the Fairbanks Orthodontic Group in 1974. His wife, Marita, also has deep roots in the community, having started her career at Fort Wainwright’s Army Community Services before joining the orthodontic practice. Together, the Babulas have a history of philanthropy in Fairbanks, including the establishment of the Babula Children’s Garden at the Georgeson Botanical Garden.
As the spring opening approaches, the UAF community and supporters look forward to the planetarium becoming a vital educational resource and a gateway for exploration of Alaska’s rich cultural heritage and the wonders of the universe.
