We’ve reached a milestone that has been years in the making: the Shiras Planetarium renovation is officially complete. Our new ZEISS VELVET DUO projection system is installed and is already transforming the way we explore the universe together. New lighting, updated technology, and a beautifully refreshed dome are now ready for visitors of all ages.

Now, as we step into this next chapter, we’re inviting our community to help finish what we started—and to shape the planetarium’s future for decades to come.

⭐ Introducing Adopt-a-Shiras-Star

Today we’re launching our brand-new Adopt-a-Shiras-Star program! This community-driven fundraising initiative allows supporters to “adopt” a star in our digital sky while helping close out the final stretch of our $1,040,000 renovation goal.

Every donation helps us complete the renovation fundraising—and build a strong foundation for what comes next.

✨ Your gift goes twice as far

We are honored to share that the Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation is supporting this effort with a 1:1 matching gift through the end of 2025. That means your donation is doubled, helping us cross the finish line faster and launch our endowment fund with momentum.

🌙 Why your support matters

The renovations are done, but our work isn’t. Every dollar raised now will either:

• Complete the remaining renovation balance, or
  
• Contribute directly to our new endowment, ensuring the Shiras Planetarium continues inspiring learners and dreamers for generations.
  

This endowment will support long-term stability, educational programming, technology upgrades, and the funds needed to operate as a modern, community-centered planetarium.

🌌 Who manages the fundraising?

The Friends of Shiras Planetarium leads all fundraising efforts. We work in collaboration with the MAPS Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting students, staff, and faculty across Marquette Area Public Schools.

All contributions are:

• Securely processed through the MAPS Education Foundation
  
• Handled online through Stripe, a trusted payment processor
  
• Tax-deductible as permitted by law
  

This partnership ensures that every gift is handled responsibly and directed exactly where it’s needed.

💫 Ready to adopt your star?

You can read more about the program and make your gift here:
friendsofshirasplanetarium.org

Together, we’ve brought a 60-year-old planetarium back to life. Now let’s illuminate its future—star by star.

After months of hard work and anticipation, the Shiras Planetarium’s renovation is officially complete! Our upgraded facility now features state-of-the-art ZEISS projection technology, new seating, lighting, and sound systems that will elevate every visitor’s experience under the dome.

Now that construction is finished, our team is shifting focus to the next exciting phase—training, content creation, and event planning. We’re working behind the scenes to build new educational programs, update our systems, and prepare for a full relaunch of field trips and public events.

Our top priority remains serving students through daytime school field trips and class visits. These experiences are the heart of our mission and the reason Shiras Planetarium exists within Marquette Senior High School.

As we grow, we’ll begin offering public programming again—starting with laser shows and fulldome movies, which are easier to staff during this transition period. Over time, we’ll expand to include interactive programs, live presentations, and night sky tours, bringing back the hands-on, community-centered experiences you’ve come to love.

We are also working closely with Friends of Shiras Planetarium, our nonprofit support organization, to finalize fundraising efforts for this major renovation project, which exceeded its original projections. The ongoing support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners continues to make this work possible.

We truly appreciate your patience and enthusiasm as we rebuild and grow into this next chapter. The future of the Shiras Planetarium is brighter than ever—and we can’t wait to welcome you back beneath the stars.