TAMIU Planetarium, Laredo, TX

Texas A&M University in Laredo, Texas has the TAMIU Planetarium. It is actually named the Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium. The idea for the facility came about in 1999 near the new science building at the university. The project took until 2001 to gain approval and funding.

The Planetarium has state of the art equipment including a new generation digital projector. The technology allows students and visitors to see Earth and the known universe. There are highly developed telescopes that allow someone to see as much as the planetarium can offer through the projector. The Digistar 3 projectors have graphic hardware and software to create images on the interior surface of the dome. There is video, real time 3D graphics and a complete digital astronomy package that is used for the show. While visitors are watching video it is almost like the real thing because of the telescopes and space trips used to capture the images. The computer program also has a highly developed mathematical program to help it render the images.

Membership to the planetarium is possible. For regular visitors a show is $5 for adults and $4 for children, seniors and students. A premium show is $6 for adults and $5 for seniors, children, and students. Tickets are sold an hour prior to show time. Private shows are available when booked in advance.

TAMIU Planetarium has 87 seats. Food and drink is not allowed, and security can do searches for sharp objects. Any pencils, pens, scissors, knives and other sharp objects have to be left at the ticket booth. Mobile phones, cameras, and camcorders are also not allowed in the seating area.

The shows are often on the weekends. The shows can vary. For 2009 the Bella Gaia show was held. It stayed on through November, and then moved on. Shows differ to keep it interesting for local residents and students. During the holiday season there are holiday shows with music and light. The planetarium will close on major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. At other times of the year shows may be available during the week. Two coming attractions for December 2009 are the Holiday Music Magic and Season of Light. 2010 will bring new shows.

TAMIU Planetarium has a gift shop for visitors. It is possible to find a number of souvenirs to take home such as tee shirts, key chains, mugs, and more. The proceeds from the purchase support the planetarium, so that they can bring in more shows and keep it running. The Gift shop is open from 6pm to 7:30pm on Fridays and 4pm to 7:30pm on Saturdays. It can also be open at any time when the planetarium is running a show.

The planetarium concept came about because the university felt education was imperative regarding science, and especially that of space. They wanted to help students in the technology field as well. Students are able to work at the planetarium or volunteer when positions are open. Education is the main goal, but enjoyment is also a part of it.