Executive Summary
Austin is the only city of the 50 largest cities in U.S. that does not have a planetarium
(See Data ). The Friends of the Austin
Planetarium (FOTAP) has made significant progress toward the goal of creating a planetarium facility in the Austin area,
and is seeking funding to complete a formal feasibility analysis, finalize a land commitment, continue to engage the
local community in discussions and focus groups, consult with professional fundraisers on requirements for a capital
campaign, hire architectural and museum design assistance, and contract with consultants on planetarium equipment and
programming.
What is a Planetarium?
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A planetarium is a building that houses an instrument for projecting the constellations,
planets and other astronomical phenomena onto a domed ceiling. A variety of projectors display
a high definition simulation of the night sky.
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Unlike an observatory, which contains telescopes and requires clear skies to view the night
sky, the planetarium brings the sky inside, independent of time of day and weather.
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Education is the most important function of a planetarium, as reflected in our mission statement. The feedback we have received from
teachers, from administrators, and from student scores on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills tests leaves no doubt that
there is a critical need in central Texas for the educational opportunities that only a planetarium can provide. This has been
underscored by a literature search performed for FOTAP by students in the Community Development and Social Enterprise class at The
University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. The study shows:
- A planetarium program increased student understanding of related topics by 24%.
- A planetarium visit results in an 11% increase in the students’ interest in science as a career.
- In a study of 471 sixth graders on planetary motion, a planetarium proved superior to classroom instruction.
- Trips to a planetarium or science museum are memorable.
Strategic Objectives
- Build grassroots support by educating the public about the benefits of a planetarium
- Rally the support of school leaders and educators
- Build interest with business, community and political leaders
- Finalize a commitment on land
- Further study the current and future needs of the Central Texas region
- Develop a final design and scope of the facility
- Seek media coverage
- Commence major fundraising
Business Objectives
- Open the Austin Planetarium in 2010, assuming the following events:
- Completion of 28,000 sq. ft. facility and timely acquisition of equipment, furniture and fixtures, based on
- Finalization of land commitment, and concurrent with
- Raising capital funds of $10 million (including an endowment to smooth cash flow).
- Develop relationships with private individuals, corporations, foundations, public officials and the media to
build our reputation and credibility.
- Successfully manage relationships with targeted stakeholders to ensure FOTAP meets fundraising goals.
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Children in a planetarium, image courtesey
Morehead Planetarium & Science Center
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To receive the full business plan please visit the contact page
to submit your request.
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