The stars align for NOC Enid

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Northern Oklahoma College-Enid Observatory Director Bob Killam is shown inside the college's planetarium.
The Horsehead Nebula is projected inside Northern Oklahoma College Enid’s planetarium in a recreation of the night sky over Enid.

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February 27, 2010

Planetarium, observatory offers look at the night sky

By Joe Malan, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle The Enid News and Eagle Sat Feb 27, 2010, 10:14 PM CST

ENID — The largest planetarium in the state isn’t in Oklahoma City.

Nor is it in Tulsa.

It lies on the east side of Enid.

The 50-foot geodesic dome, which encompasses a 40-foot projection dome, sits on the eastern edge of Northern Oklahoma College Enid campus, next to the observatory.

Inside, a Spitz A/4 projector system lights up the virtual night sky with an array of stars.

The planetarium was finished Oct. 27, after more than a year and a half of construction.

The planetarium is open to the public for shows on the first Thursday of every month and for special groups at other times by arrangement.

But the dome isn’t only for astronomy shows, said Fritz Osell, professor of astronomy and earth science at NOC Enid.

“It’s available to all educational institutions in the area here,” Osell said.

In addition to housing a variety of classes on campus, Osell said the dome is available for use by any school, public or civic group that would like to use it.

Or, it could be used for a special event, such as a lunch or dinner “under the stars.”

“We can also make it available for any American Indian group that would like to demonstrate parts of their star culture,” Osell added.

Bob Killam, director of NOC Enid’s Astronomy Research Center, said he wants planetarium shows to become bigger and better in the future.

Killam directs planetarium shows for the public and also operates the telescope at the observatory.

Among the things Killam hopes to add is a new digital system to allow creation of a variety of shows for different seasons.

He would still keep the Spitz A/4 ball as an integral part of planetarium shows.

Other new features may come along in time.

Osell said he also would like to see a digital projection system installed.

“The building and inner structure is built well enough to accommodate most modern projection systems available,” he said.

The planetarium is open to the public at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday, while the observatory is available to the public 7-9 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday, weather permitting. The observatory hours likely will change to 8-10 p.m. after March 14, as the daylight evening hours extend.

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The stars align for NOC Enid

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